Karatsu ware | Naoki Kojima | Karatsukawakujira sake cup [one-of-a-kind item]

The distinctive feature of kawakujira is the black border around the mouth rim. The origin of the name “kawakujira” is derived from the comparison of the black rim to the skin (back) of a whale and the white body of the vessel to the body (belly) of a whale. The clay used is a rare clay of the Ichinose Koraigami, an old kiln of the Matsuura line (a group of kiln sites around Imari City, Saga Prefecture) that once produced many fine pieces such as Okukorai and Ekaratsu. The body of the cup shows kiln-forming, reminding us of the old Karatsu style. The more the sake cup is used, the more it changes in flavor. Please enjoy the process of growing and changing.