Six Handmade Mino Ware Sake Cups by Kazufumi Wada

Product Description

This set includes six handmade ceramic sake cups by Kazufumi Wada, created at Keizan Kiln in Japan. Each cup is individually thrown and glazed, drawing on the heritage of Mino ware, a ceramic tradition spanning over 1,300 years.

The six cups feature different glaze finishes: Oribe mossy green, Kiseto golden yellow, Shino soft and smoky, Kuro Oribe dark and bold, Turkish blue striking and contemporary, and Oni Shino rustic and dramatic.

Each cup measures approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) tall and holds about 3 fl oz (89 ml). Because every piece is handmade, variations in size, color, and form are intentional, giving each cup its own character.

The six cups are packed in individual compartments inside a traditional wooden box with calligraphy. The box keeps the set together for storage and gives it a considered presentation for gifting.

For care, hand wash each cup with a soft sponge and mild detergent. Do not use the cups in a microwave or dishwasher. Avoid soaking and rapid temperature changes, and dry them completely before storing to preserve the surface.

Product Information
  • Set Includes: 6 Handmade Ceramic Sake Cups (Each Unique)
  • Box Dimensions: 9.05" × 6.5" × 2.55" (23 × 16.5 × 6.5 cm)
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Glazes: Oribe, Kiseto, Shino, Kuro Oribe, Turkish, Oni Shino
  • Packaging: Individual compartments inside a traditional wooden box with calligraphy
  • Origin: Made in Japan
Care instructions
  • Hand wash with a soft sponge and mild detergent
  • Do not use in the microwave or dishwasher
  • Avoid soaking or rapid temperature changes
  • Dry completely before storing to preserve surface integrity
Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Ceramic artist Kazufumi Wada created this six-cup set at Keizan Kiln in Japan. Each cup is individually thrown and glazed in one of six finishes, reflecting the heritage of Mino ware.

Notes

Artisans individually handcraft each item. As a result, slight variations in color, pattern, and shape may occur compared to the product images. These subtle differences are a hallmark of authentic craftsmanship and contribute to the unique character of every piece.

Questions & Answers

Are differences between the cups expected?
Yes. Each cup is individually thrown and glazed, so variations in size, color, and form are intentional features of the handmade work rather than defects.
What makes the set suitable for gifting or storage?
The six cups are presented in a traditional wooden box with calligraphy and individual compartments, making the box useful for both presentation and storage.
Where is the set made?
The cups are made in Japan by ceramic artist Kazufumi Wada at Keizan Kiln and draw on the heritage of Mino ware.
How should the cups be cared for?
Hand wash them with a soft sponge and mild detergent. Do not use a microwave or dishwasher; avoid soaking and rapid temperature changes, and dry them completely before storing.
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Made by Kazufumi Wada in Toki City, Japan

Kazufumi Wada carries forward a legacy of over 90 years at Keizan Kiln, founded by his grandfather Keijiro Wada, with an unwavering commitment to the timeless art of Japanese ceramics. A true master of his craft, Wada creates each piece entirely by hand—eschewing molds in favor of intuition, tradition, and an acute sensitivity to clay, glaze, and flame. His work is defined by a pursuit of glaze richness, achieved through meticulous control of kiln temperature and firing time, resulting in surfaces that feel both organic and refined. A member of the Mino Ceramics Association, Wada has earned numerous accolades, including selections to prestigious exhibitions such as the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition, and the International Ceramic and Porcelain Festival. In recognition of his artistry, he was awarded the 35th Takuo Award by the Mino Ceramic Art Association. Through his guidance and creations, Kazufumi Wada offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the living tradition of Japanese pottery.

FAQs

All you need to know about Japanese Pottery.

What types of traditional pottery are made in Japan?

Japan is home to several renowned pottery styles, including Mino ware (Gifu), Bizen ware (Okayama), Arita and Imari ware (Saga), Shigaraki ware (Shiga), and Mashiko ware (Tochigi). Each region has its own distinct materials, glazes, and firing techniques that reflect local history and aesthetics. Toki City in Gifu Prefecture is particularly renowned as the heart of Mino ware (Minoyaki)—the most widely produced pottery style in Japan.

What materials are used in artisan Japanese pottery?

Most artisan pottery in Japan is made from locally sourced clay, often mixed and refined by hand. Natural minerals and ash are used in glazes, and many pieces are wood-fired or fired in traditional climbing kilns (noborigama), producing unique surface textures and natural variations.

Are artisan Japanese pottery pieces safe for food use?

Yes. Authentic artisan pottery is made with food-safe, lead-free glazes and is carefully fired at high temperatures to ensure durability and safety. However, it's important to follow care instructions, especially for unglazed or porous ceramics.

What makes Japanese pottery different from Western ceramics?

Japanese pottery often emphasizes wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection—resulting in organic shapes, subtle asymmetry, and natural glazes. Unlike Western ceramics, which may prioritize uniformity, Japanese pieces often celebrate the individuality of each item, reflecting the artist's hand and the firing process.

How should I care for artisan-made Japanese pottery?

Hand-wash pottery with mild soap and avoid extreme temperature changes (like placing hot items into cold water). Some unglazed pieces may absorb moisture, so allow them to fully dry before storing. Avoid microwaves or dishwashers unless the piece is specifically labeled as safe for such use.

Do I need to season my matcha bowls before using them?

In most cases, seasoning a matcha bowl is not necessary—especially if the bowl is fully glazed, as the glaze naturally seals the surface and makes it ready for use. However, if the bowl is unglazed or has a raw clay base, a simple seasoning process called medome can help prevent cracking or staining. To season, soak the bowl in warm water mixed with a spoonful of cooked rice or flour for about 30–60 minutes, then rinse and let it dry completely. This step helps fill tiny pores in the ceramic and adds durability over time.