{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-sake-bottle-tokkuri-black-glaze-calligraphy-utaizake-wabi-sabi-studio-pottery-sake-server-unique-tableware","title":"Vintage Japanese Sake Bottle | Tokkuri | Black Glaze | Calligraphy | Utaizake | Wabi Sabi | Studio Pottery | Sake Server | Unique Tableware","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Story Behind This Piece:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep 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.\u003cbr\u003eIt 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.\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, 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.\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\"\u003cbr\u003eThis \"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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Notes:\u003cbr\u003ePlease note before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:\u003cbr\u003e* small scratches or scuffs\u003cbr\u003e* fading or discoloration\u003cbr\u003e* glaze irregularities or imperfections\u003cbr\u003e* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear\u003cbr\u003e* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts\u003cbr\u003eVintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.\u003cbr\u003eThese characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.\u003cbr\u003eWe kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.\u003cbr\u003eWe do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.\u003cbr\u003ePlease review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.\u003cbr\u003eOnly the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eDisplay stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 12.4 cm (4.88 in)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)\u003cbr\u003eBase Diameter: 7.7 cm (3.03 in)\u003cbr\u003eRim Diameter: 5.6 × 5.8 cm (2.20 × 2.28 in)\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Circumference: 33.5 cm (13.19 in)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 265 g (9.35 oz)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Information:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOrders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.\u003cbr\u003eFor shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003eFor all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.\u003cbr\u003eEach item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.\u003cbr\u003eEstimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.\u003cbr\u003eInternational Buyers – Duties, VAT \u0026amp; Taxes:\u003cbr\u003eImport duties \/ customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, 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.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003eDepending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eFor many higher-value international orders, VAT\/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT\/GST or local import-related charges are included.\u003cbr\u003eEven when customs duties are covered by us, VAT\/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eWe do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003ePlease ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.\u003cbr\u003eIf 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.\u003cbr\u003eInternational deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamage During Shipping:\u003cbr\u003eIn the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:\u003cbr\u003e* the damaged item\u003cbr\u003e* the outer shipping box\u003cbr\u003e* the inside packaging condition\u003cbr\u003e* the shipping label\u003cbr\u003ePlease keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.\u003cbr\u003eMinor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns \u0026amp; Refunds:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue 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.\u003cbr\u003eReturns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:\u003cbr\u003e* change of mind\u003cbr\u003e* customs delays\u003cbr\u003e* minor differences in condition\u003cbr\u003e* color differences\u003cbr\u003e* texture variations\u003cbr\u003e* size impression differences\u003cbr\u003e* natural signs of age and wear\u003cbr\u003eHowever, 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.\u003cbr\u003eFor customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Usage:\u003cbr\u003eThese items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.\u003cbr\u003eVintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.\u003cbr\u003eHandle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiability Disclaimer:\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003eAll products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.\u003cbr\u003eBy completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Notes by Region:\u003cbr\u003e■ United States\u003cbr\u003eState taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia Proposition 65:\u2028Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.\u003cbr\u003e■ European Union (EU)\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003e■ United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eThe buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003e■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT\/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eFor Taiwan:\u2028Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.\u003cbr\u003e■ Hong Kong\u003cbr\u003eHong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT\/GST on imported goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003cbr\u003eIf you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eWe’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOn our official website, we share:\u003cbr\u003e– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered\u2028– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life\u2028– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere\u003cbr\u003eWe hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"meguru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51887950922014,"sku":"A01-433","price":24660.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/8451\/0494\/files\/IMG_7949.jpg?v=1779676604","url":"https:\/\/megurujapan.com\/fr\/products\/vintage-japanese-sake-bottle-tokkuri-black-glaze-calligraphy-utaizake-wabi-sabi-studio-pottery-sake-server-unique-tableware","provider":"meguru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}