This saké cup is handcrafted from purion clay. This ceramic piece combines Endo’s bold forms with the organic texture of clay to create a unique and bold design. When paired with the saké bottle, this modern offering provides an elegant drinking experience by enhancing the flavour and texture of Japanese saké.

Takashi Endo is a Japanese ceramic artist based in Kanagawa prefecture. Endo’s ceramic style is characterised by his sharp design and monochromatic palette that showcases the natural expression of clay. The coarse surface finish is achieved by mixing together porous clay sourced from Iga and Shigaraki - two of the oldest pottery-making regions which form the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. Fusing together the earthy quality with the artist’s modern sensibility, Endo creates unique one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces with an exceptional lightness that belies its bold form.

Endo’s works border precariously between functional craft and artistic gesture, with each ceramic piece offering a heightened experience of the clay’s materiality. He carves away excess clay to a bare minimum, revealing an array of natural textures such as the raised feldspar particles which is achieved by reduction firing, followed by a process of cold reduction. This delicate collection carries with it an understated beauty and stillness that is best reserved for savouring special moments.

Please note as each piece is hand-made, slight variation in shape and glazing may occur.

Dimensions: Ø6 x H7cm

Material: Porous Clay

Place of Origin: Kanagawa, Japan

Instructions for Care:
Hand wash only using mild detergent and a soft sponge.

Seasoning Before First Use

• This requires seasoning (called ‘medome’) before first use.

• To season the Saké cup, first cook omoyu, or rice porridge.

• Put a bowl of leftover rice in a pot and add water until 80% full.

• Mix together and bring to a boil on low heat, cook the porridge for 20 minutes.

• Let it cool until it reaches room temperature.

• Cover the exterior and fill the interior of the Saké cup with the rice porridge. Let it sit overnight.

• Discard the porridge and gently rinse the Saké cup with water.

• Dry with a clean cloth and allow the Saké cup to air dry completely before first use.

Caution:
Do not place in the dishwasher or oven.
Please take extra care when handling the delicate item.