Shino Ware | Sake Cup | Guinomi | Japanese Pottery | Handmade Ceramics | Wabi Sabi Art | Tea Ceremony | Artisan Stoneware | Unique Glaze Cup

The Story Behind This Piece:　

In a mountain town in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, near the border with Shimane, lies a region where "Tatara" ironmasters and wealthy farmers once cultivated a unique and sophisticated culture. Even today, traditional folk houses (kominka) with thick earthen-walled storehouses (kura) dot the landscape. This Shino-yaki Guinomi (sake cup) emerged from the depths of one such "Kita-kura" (North Storehouse) of a 150-year-old estate, found at the bottom of a layered bamboo trunk after nearly half a century. This region is a harsh environment, often buried under deep snow during the winter. The former head of the house was a respected local figure and a "sukisha" (connoisseur of refined arts) who deeply loved traditional Japanese beauty. The 1970s was an era when Japan, having achieved material wealth through rapid economic growth, saw people turn their eyes back toward "Mingei" (folk art) and "handicrafts" in search of spiritual richness. It is said that he visited the distant Mino region during this time to acquire this Shino-yaki piece, crafted with the soul of a master potter of that era, and used it to enjoy local sake by the fire of the "irori" (sunken hearth) on snowy nights.

Shino-yaki is a brand that occupies an extraordinarily unique and noble position in the history of Japanese ceramics. It was born in the Mino region (modern-day Gifu Prefecture) during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, an era when legendary tea masters like Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe revolutionized Japanese aesthetics. While early Japanese ceramics were largely imitations of Chinese wares, Shino-yaki was the first indigenous ware to use a white feldspar glaze, representing a purely Japanese creative identity. Since the revival of these techniques by Living National Treasure Toyozo Arakawa in the 1930s, many potters from the post-war reconstruction period through the 1970s devoted their passions to recreating this "Momoyama beauty." The defining characteristic of Shino-yaki is the use of "Mogusa-tsuchi" (mugwort clay), a white clay known for its heat resistance and soft, pliable texture. The contrast between the warm white of the glaze and the "Hiiro" (scarlet flashes) produced by iron oxidation has long been considered the pinnacle of "wabi-sabi"—the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection and transience.

The most striking feature of this particular guinomi is the single branch of plum blossoms (ume) painted using the traditional "E-shino" (decorated Shino) technique. This motif carries profound significance. The plum pattern, emerging from beneath the thick, snow-like feldspar glaze, embodies the spirit of the "Saikan no Sanyu" (Three Friends of Winter)—symbolizing the resilience to endure the harsh winters of northern Hiroshima and bloom before any other flower. The plum blossom is a symbol of a noble person who maintains their integrity and fragrance even in adversity. The original owner, living through the turbulent 1970s, likely saw the falling snow outside his window reflected in the white glaze of the cup, finding in the painted plum a hopeful sign of a new era.

Shino-yaki is characterized by "pinholes" (small atmospheric bubbles) on its surface and intricate "kannyu" (crackle patterns). These are not flaws but evidence that the vessel is "breathing." Over years of use, the sake permeates these cracks, changing the "landscape" of the cup and offering the owner the joy of "growing" the vessel. Looking at the "kodai" (foot), one can see the powerful marks of the spatula and the exposed, unglazed clay that has turned a scorched red from the baptism of the kiln's fire. The contrast between the rugged strength of this "koge" (scorch) and the delicate, poetic depiction of the plum blossoms is what defines the high artistic value of this work. Pieces from the 1970s are characterized by a high balance of practicality and artistry, serving as replicas of the Momoyama period while coexisting with modern formal sensibilities.

How did such a masterpiece come to sleep in a storehouse for so long? As lifestyles rapidly westernized from the end of the Showa era into the Heisei era, the luxury of enjoying traditional Japanese spaces was temporarily lost. However, the master of the house believed, "This is the heart of Japan that must be connected to the next generation," and kept it carefully in a paulownia wood box within the temperature-controlled environment of the kura. The decision to bring this piece out now stems from a transition in family generations and the dismantling of the aging estate. With the family’s wish to "entrust this piece to someone who truly understands its value for the next fifty or hundred years," this guinomi has returned to the light.

In terms of "Mingei" (folk art) value, this vessel is exceptional. It embodies the "beauty of utility" (yo-no-bi) advocated by Yanagi Soetsu; its beauty is only completed when it is held, when sake is poured into it, and when the warmth of the clay touches the lips. This is a story of the historical weight of the Shino-yaki brand, the craftsmanship infused by a 1970s artisan, and a personal narrative nurtured in the snowy lands of Hiroshima. To own this guinomi is not merely to possess an antique; it is to engage in a silent, timeless dialogue with the very essence of Japanese beauty.

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:

Height: 4.7 cm (1.85 in)
Base Diameter: 3.9 cm (1.54 in)
Rim Diameter: 6.1 × 6.1 cm (2.40 × 2.40 in)
Maximum Circumference: 21.0 cm (8.27 in)
Weight: 105 g (3.70 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.