Vintage Japanese Kutani Porcelain Sake Cup Set

Dimensions: 3-1/2”h x 2-3/8” dia.

This is a vintage set of Japanese Kutani sake cups in a tall tapered form, made of a white high glaze porcelain base with handprinted unique stripes in red, blue, and green, and referred to as ochoko sometimes called, choko.  This particular design is considered unpretentious and of simple design and is often seen alongside a sake bottle, called a Tokkuri (small sake flask). It wasn’t until the Edo period that the small cups came to be used for drinking sake. It was around this time that sake was starting to have a higher alcohol content, meaning those small cups were perfect for sipping instead of dumping down the drink.  

Kutani pottery is painted with overglaze colors. Depending on the type of Kutani ware, the color and pattern will vary including geometric patterns. Kotsugaki painting with black cobalt oxide paint may be done before colors are applied. Kotsugaki means outlining. It is said that kutani ceramics were first made in Kutani which is now a part of Kaga in the Ishikawa prefecture of Japan. The raw material of Kutani ware porcelain is China clay (tōseki), and the raw material of overglaze enamels is crystal glass. Mixing the colorants iron oxide and cobalt oxide with crystal glass can result in intensely brilliant, translucent colors. The adage “there are no Kutani ceramics without painted decoration (etsuke)” suggests the importance of overglaze enamels to the definition of Kutani wares. 

This pair was purchased at Rokuroku Dou, in the Gion district of Kyoto Japan, and represents pottery artists and works throughout central Japan. Both pieces have an impressed mark of the unidentified maker.

Condition: Excellent with no flaws, chips, or discoloration.