Japanese Sterling Silver | Mitsunori | Hand Engraved | Pine Bamboo Plum | Large Sake Cup | Masterpiece | Silverware | Decorative Plate | Art

The Story Behind This Piece:　

Deep in the mountainous region of northern Hiroshima, within a heavy, white-walled storehouse (kura) belonging to a 150-year-old traditional folk house (kominka), this sterling silver "Kazari Oozakazuki" (Large Decorative Sake Cup) was rediscovered. The owner of this estate was a descendant of a prestigious family that had governed vast farmlands for generations. The year was 1991—a time when Japan was bathed in the lingering glow of the bubble economy and the telecommunications industry was undergoing a dramatic evolution. The previous head of the household, who maintained deep ties with the central economic circles, received this masterpiece by the renowned artist "Mitsunori" as a symbol of special merit and commemoration from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT).

The artist, Takenori Ohbuchi (known by his art name Mitsunori), is a titan in the world of Japanese metalwork, having received the Prime Minister's Award. His works are far more than mere precious metal ornaments. They are the embodiment of "tranquil brilliance," a quality unique to silver, infused with the traditional Japanese motif of "Sho-Chiku-Bai" (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum). In 1991, as Japan steered toward the digital age, the selection of such "ultimate handicraft" represented a desire to preserve the Japanese spirit amidst rapid change.

The decision to place this masterpiece in the storehouse occurred in the early 2000s. As the previous head retired and lifestyles modernized, this artwork, which had graced the tokonoma (alcove), was deemed a "family treasure to be passed down without a single scratch." It was carefully tucked away in a paulownia box and stored in the depths of the humidity-controlled kura. For a quarter-century, this crystal of craftsmanship and material presence—starkly different from modern minimalism—remained protected by the silence of the storehouse.

The reason for bringing this grand cup out of the storehouse now is the revitalization of the old folk house and the succession of culture. During the process of organizing the estate, the realization emerged that modern living spaces are precisely where such "authentic handwork" is needed most. Of particular note is the iridescent shimmer on the surface. When sterling silver is exposed to air over many years, it undergoes a slow process of sulfuration, resulting in a profound depth of color. This is the pinnacle of "wabi-sabi"—an art form that cannot be intentionally manufactured, but is completed only by the accumulation of time.

The allure of this decorative cup lies in the fusion of "Mingei (folk art) value" and "luxury," concepts that are being lost in the modern world. The strength of the pine, the integrity of the bamboo, and the nobility of the plum are carved onto the luxurious canvas of sterling silver using Mitsunori’s transcendental techniques. In the dim light of a traditional house, the cup catches the faintest glimmer, glowing with a mysterious and sublime beauty that guides the viewer's heart to peace.

Today, the value of metalwork is being re-evaluated globally. In particular, sterling silver works bearing the name "Mitsunori" are highly coveted by collectors, not just for their investment value, but as vital pieces of Japanese craft history. This cup is more than a 1991 memento; it is a testament to the pride of those who lived through a transformative era and a sanctuary for the appreciation of Japanese beauty.

This story is not merely about selling an "old silver product." It is an invitation to connect the "Japanese Soul" that slept in a Hiroshima storehouse to a new guardian. The warmth of handwork, the weight of sterling silver, and the unique patina matured over thirty years—to possess this is synonymous with owning a piece of Japanese history. To those who understand the spirit of wabi-sabi, we wish to entrust this brilliance, reminiscent of silver moonlight.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

■Cup
Height: 3.7 cm (1.46 in)
Depth: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)
Width: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)
Base: 3.6 cm (1.42 in)
Weight: 90 g (3.17 oz)

■Display Stand
Height: 19.5 cm (7.68 in)
Depth: 15.2 cm (5.98 in)
Width: 20.2 cm (7.95 in)
Weight: 775 g (27.34 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.