Kutani Ware Hand-made Pottery Sake Cup - Bream / 鯛の盃

During our trip to Ishikawa Prefecture, we had the chance to encounter the work of Ichikawa Seirin (市川清鱗), a Kutani ware artist whose pieces immediately captured our hearts. His signature style—expressive marine life with bold, gyorori (piercing) eyes—conveys both character and vitality, as though each fish is breathing with life. The depth of colour and texture invites you to pause, appreciate, and feel. The shop owner fondly described Seirin as a wildly passionate and free-spirited character, especially known for his love of sake.

Now in his later years, Seirin has retired from making pottery, and what remains in circulation are the final works of his creative journey. While his son has inherited the workshop and continues the family tradition, the shopkeeper shared candidly that Seirin’s mastery remains unmatched. To hold one of his pieces is not only to admire the artisan’s technique, but also to connect with a spirited personality and a fading chapter of Kutani history—where artistry, energy, and imperfection live vividly in clay.

Kutani ware(九谷焼) is a traditional craft of Ishikawa prefecture(石川県) with a history of over 360 years. The beauty of nature, brilliant colour and fine calligraphy are the key features of this style of Japanese pottery. 

As the whole piece is handmade in Japan, slight irregularities in size, glaze, colour and texture might occur and reflect the nature of the artisan product.

■What's included? One (1) Sake Cup in a Box

■ Made in Japan, Ishikawa prefecture

■ Size: Approximately 6.5 cm Diameter x 5.6 cm Height

■ Material: Pottery

🎁 Comes with a box. Great as a gift!