Touan Kiln Flower Crystalline Glaze Sake Cup - Silky White / 京・清水焼 花結晶釉 盃

Founded in 1922 in the historic Higashiyama Sennyū-ji (東山泉涌寺) area of Kyoto, Touan Kiln (陶葊) is a respected kiln of Kyo-Kiyomizu ware (京・清水焼), known for its refined colours, strength, and continuous pursuit of innovation.

The kiln was established by Toshio Dobuchi (土渕俊雄), originally a master Kyoto roof-tile craftsman. The region surrounding Touan was historically rich in clay, and his technical skill was widely recognised — even the Japanese Gallery of the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest museum, features roof tiles made by him. This strong foundation in traditional craftsmanship shaped the philosophy of Touan from its very beginning.

While Kiyomizu ware is traditionally associated with overglaze decoration, Touan developed its own approach by applying colour before glazing and firing at an exceptionally high temperature of around 1,200°C. This process achieves both vivid, elegant colours and enhanced durability, a balance that is rarely found in Kiyomizu ware.

Today, Touan is led by its fourth-generation master, under whom the kiln’s signature Hana-Kesshō / Flower Crystal (花結晶) technique was established. Using a special crystalline glaze, delicate crystal patterns emerge as the piece cools after firing, creating surfaces that resemble flowers gently blooming across the vessel. Each piece is entirely unique, with no two expressions ever the same. Despite its refined appearance, Hana-Kesshō ware is designed for modern daily use and is suitable for both microwave and dishwasher.

Each piece is carefully shaped, glazed, and decorated by hand in Touan Kiln's Kyoto workshop, making every stand subtly unique. These gentle variations in colour, line, and expression are hallmarks of genuine craftsmanship — traces of the artisan’s presence in each stroke.

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

■ Designed and Made In Japan

■ Material: Pottery

■ Size: 8.3 cm diameter x 4.5 cm height