The end of the year and new years is one of
the biggest opportunities for Japanese to drink sake. At the end of the year, Japanese drink sake
in a get together called “bonenkai”, literally translated, a meeting to forget
the year, to appreciate the hard work done for the year, and forget the
troubles of the past year to look forward to a new year. Then, on the new years, they drink sake to
celebrate the new year. “Otoso”, a drink
taken in the morning of the new year in hopes for a longevity, is believed to
purify the body and prevent illness for the year.
So, our store had our talented ceramic artist
specially make sake vessels for this holiday season! The following are some of the many beautiful
pieces we received at the end of last year.
This is a photo of a sake pourer and a cup
from the white porcelain series by Taira Kuroki, a Kyoto prefecture artist
known for delicately made, elegant pieces.
Kuroki-san also sent us a new series called
“Yohen Ao”, literally translated, kiln strange.
The dazzling color variation is created during the firing process. These
are stunning pieces that we recommend seeing in person.
We now have sake vessels by Shiho Takada from
the ash crazings series, titanium glaze series, and iron glaze series, three
highly sought after series.
Fuminari Araga-san’s “Kohiki” pieces,
white-slip ceramics, are a beauty of simple, yet refined form.
Kotomi Daigo-san is an artist known for her
bronze glaze series, but she sent us a strikingly modern pourer from the new
high-fired unglazed series, which we just fell in love.
Taro Sugimoto-san’s roundish pourer gives off
a warm impression and is perfect for drinking sake on a cold winter day.
Another charming piece by Sugimoto-san. The circle pattern continues on the
inside.
Lastly, Akira Yamada-san’s gorgeous sake
vessels that matches perfectly in the celebratory occasions.
Please pop by our store to see other wonderful
sake vessels by various skilled artists!
grt
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