Vintage Japanese Sake Bottle | Tokkuri | Black Glaze | Calligraphy | Utaizake | Wabi Sabi | Studio Pottery | Sake Server | Unique Tableware

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the mountains of northern Hiroshima Prefecture—a region once flourished by traditional "tatara" ironmaking—stands a 150-year-old minka (traditional farmhouse). From the profound depths of its kura (storehouse), this tokkuri (sake bottle) has finally emerged. In this land, where winters are harsh and snow-clad, a culture of gathering around the irori (sunken hearth) to wait for spring is deeply rooted. In such a demanding environment, what warmed the hearts of the people and gave them vitality for the next day was the very essence of "Utai-zake" (Singing Sake) symbolized by this vessel.
It is estimated that this tokkuri was crafted during the mid-Showa era, around the 1960s. This was a time when the spirit of the Mingei (Folk Art) movement, championed by Yanagi Soetsu, had deeply permeated local kilns, leading nameless craftsmen to pursue "Yo-no-Bi" (Beauty in Utility). The deep blackish-brown glaze and the bold, decisive white calligraphy of "唄い酒" (Utai-zake) are not merely decorative. They encapsulate the powerful energy of rural villages of that time, where people shared sake, sang folk songs, and thanked each other for their hard work. The indentations on the side—finger marks from the potter—are a functional design choice meant to fit comfortably in a drinker’s hand, conveying the direct warmth of manual labor.
The original owner was said to be a wealthy landowner who served as the village headman for generations, supporting the local culture. He didn't just drink sake; he cherished the gathering as a "place for art and exchange." During the freezing Hiroshima winters, he would warm freshly brewed sake from local master brewers in this tokkuri. Sitting by the hearth, they would chant Kagura or local folk songs. The "Utai-zake" bottle was always at the center of such scenes. The ash-covered glaze effect on the shoulders would have resonated with the rising steam and the smoke of the hearth, coloring the quiet nights of the mountain village.
However, as times changed, so did the lifestyle of the village. The lively banquets of the past gradually faded away. In the late 1980s, following a change in family leadership, this tokkuri was carefully placed in a corner of the storehouse along with other household belongings. Since then, for several decades, it slept in the cool silence of the kura, untouched and unseen by anyone.
The reason this tokkuri has seen the light of day once again is due to the recent clearing of the storehouse, as maintaining the old farmhouse became difficult. When the thick earthen doors were opened, it emerged from a dust-covered wooden box. Its black skin had not faded; rather, it seemed to have gained a deeper luster over time. The long years of silence added a unique sense of "Sabi" to the vessel, giving it a presence even more dignified than when it was first created.
In terms of contemporary value, this tokkuri is much more than a mere vintage item. It is a piece of art with immense "Mingei value," giving form to the fading spiritual culture of Japan. It possesses the beauty of imperfection, known as "wabi-sabi," which modern, standardized products can never replicate—found in the slight distortion of its shape and the unevenness of the glaze. The unique texture developed through years of potential use is proof of a vessel that has truly "matured."
This "Utai-zake" tokkuri invites us to pause in our hectic modern lives. Pouring your favorite local sake and feeling its substantial weight in your hand, you can gaze at the bold white characters and imagine the singing voices that once echoed through a snow-covered village in Hiroshima. It is more than just an object; it is a ritual for reclaiming spiritual richness over material wealth. This piece, a culmination of Japan’s finest traditional handiwork, will bring a deep sense of history and quiet passion into your living space.

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: 12.4 cm (4.88 in)
Depth: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)
Width: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)
Base Diameter: 7.7 cm (3.03 in)
Rim Diameter: 5.6 × 5.8 cm (2.20 × 2.28 in)
Maximum Circumference: 33.5 cm (13.19 in)
Weight: 265 g (9.35 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.