The Lustre of Gold. The Pleasure of a Chilled Pour.

Product Description

A luminous gold finish gives this Kagayaki tumbler its distinctive presence. Light moves across the smooth upper surface and settles into the fine texture below, bringing depth to its slender, gently tapered form. It is a piece to enjoy as much in the hand as on the table.

Beneath the gold plating is a pure copper body, chosen for its quick response to temperature. Pour in a chilled beer and the vessel soon feels cool to the touch. Gold plating covers both the interior and exterior, carrying the warm lustre through to the inside of the cup.

Made in Tsubame, Niigata, the tumbler belongs to a city celebrated for Japanese metalware. Its Made in TSUBAME certification confirms its production origin, giving a tangible sense of place to an object designed for everyday enjoyment.

The 440 ml capacity accommodates a 330–350 ml beer with room for the head. Bring it to the table with a small plate of something savoury, or reserve it for a favourite brew at the end of the day. Designed for cold drinks, it rewards a freshly chilled pour.

Presented individually in a paulownia wood box, it makes a thoughtful anniversary, milestone or thank-you gift for someone who appreciates Japanese design. The pleasure is in the details: the gleam of gold, the texture beneath the fingers and the first cool sip.

Product Information
  • Contents: One tumbler with a paulownia wood presentation box
  • Body: Pure copper
  • Finish: Gold plating on the interior and exterior
  • Capacity: 440 ml / approximately 14.9 US fl oz
  • Dimensions: Approximately 7.7 cm diameter × 13.7 cm high / 3.0 × 5.4 in
  • Weight: Approximately 188 g / 6.6 oz
  • Origin: Tsubame, Niigata, Japan
  • Certification: Made in TSUBAME
  • Use: Cold beverages only
Care instructions

Wash gently by hand with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth after use.

Treat the gold-plated surface gently. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and metal polishes, which can damage the finish. Follow the care instructions included with the tumbler.

Use for cold drinks only. Do not heat the tumbler or place it in a microwave.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Tsubame, in Niigata Prefecture, is one of Japan’s recognised centres of metalware production. Its identity is closely tied to objects made for the table, where material, form and finish are experienced through daily use.

This tumbler carries Made in TSUBAME certification, confirming its production origin. A pure copper body, gold plating and contrasting surface textures give it its character: reflective and luminous above, finely textured below.

Note

For cold drinks only. Copper responds quickly to temperature; this is not a vacuum-insulated tumbler. Allow space for foam when pouring beer. The gold finish is plating over a pure copper body.

Questions About This Piece

Can I use this tumbler for hot drinks?
No. It is designed for cold beverages only. Copper quickly takes on the temperature of its contents, so hot drinks can make the vessel uncomfortable to hold.
Is it solid gold or gold plated?
The body is pure copper, with gold plating on both the interior and exterior. This gives the tumbler its gold finish while retaining the temperature responsiveness of copper.
How much beer does it hold?
Its stated capacity is 440 ml, approximately 14.9 US fl oz. A 330–350 ml pour leaves space for the beer’s head. Serve chilled and enjoy soon after pouring; the tumbler is not vacuum insulated.
Does it come in a gift box?
Yes. One tumbler is presented in a paulownia wood box, making it a considered gift for a beer enthusiast or someone who appreciates Japanese tableware.
An artisan at work in a Japanese metalworking workshop
A glimpse into Japanese metalworking. Techniques vary by maker and piece.

Japanese metalwork · Material, form & finish

The art of metal. The pleasure of everyday use.

In Japan, metalworking has long brought together practical purpose and an eye for beauty. From copper shaped with hammers in Tsubame to vessels cast in Takaoka, regional traditions have given everyday objects a distinctive character.

A tumbler brings that story close: in the curve of its body, the feel of its surface and the way its finish catches the light. Different metals and techniques create different experiences, making the details of each piece worth discovering.

Material The metal beneath the finish
Form Balance, proportions and feel
Finish Texture, colour and reflected light

Many regions. Distinct traditions.
The maker, origin and construction of this tumbler are listed in its product details.

Discover Japanese metal drinkware

A closer look. A more considered choice.

Understand the craft, choose for the way you drink, and enjoy the details every day.

What makes Japanese metal drinkware distinctive?

Japan’s metalworking regions bring different skills to the table. Tsubame is known for metal utensils and copperware; Takaoka has a long casting tradition. Shaping, casting, polishing and surface finishing each contribute to a vessel’s character.

The appeal is in the details: the proportions, the rim, the texture and the finish. The techniques used vary by maker and product, so the story of the individual piece matters as much as its place of origin.

What is the difference between the metal and the finish?

The body is the base metal; the finish is its surface treatment. A copper tumbler, for example, may have a tin-plated interior or a gold- or silver-plated finish. A gold-coloured vessel is not necessarily solid gold, and a silver-coloured vessel is not necessarily solid silver.

Read the body material, interior lining and exterior finish together. This gives you a clearer picture of what you are choosing and how to care for it.

Is every tumbler made by hand?

Methods differ. Some vessels are shaped by repeated hammering; others are cast in moulds or formed with machinery, sometimes followed by hand finishing. A textured surface alone does not establish that a tumbler is hand-hammered.

Look for the specific technique in the product description. Each method offers its own possibilities for shape, precision and surface character.

Will it keep my drink cold, and can I use it for hot drinks?

Construction matters as much as the metal. A single-wall metal tumbler can quickly feel cool when filled with a chilled drink, but this is different from the temperature retention of a vacuum-insulated vessel. Double-wall construction does not automatically mean vacuum insulation.

Use the temperature guidance for the individual product. A tumbler marked for cold drinks only should not be used for hot drinks. Check any restrictions on acidic drinks or prolonged storage too, as these depend on the lining and finish.

How do I choose the right size and feel?

Start with your usual drink and serving size, allowing space for ice or foam. Then compare the height, diameter and weight: two tumblers with the same capacity can feel quite different in the hand.

Consider the rim and surface as well. A slender form, a wider opening and a textured finish each offer a different experience. Use the dimensions and close-up photographs to find a piece that suits your daily ritual.

How should I care for the surface and finish?

Follow the maker’s instructions for the exact metal and finish. Gentle hand washing with a soft sponge and mild detergent, followed by careful drying, is a sensible starting point when permitted by those instructions. Use a dishwasher only when the product is explicitly described as dishwasher-safe.

Some surfaces change in tone with use; others have a coating or deliberately aged finish. Avoid abrasive pads and metal polish unless the maker recommends them, as they can alter plating or remove an intentional surface treatment.

Choosing for yourself or as a gift? We can help clarify the material, dimensions or presentation of a piece.

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