Why We Love It
This authentic Kyoto ware sake cup features a handcrafted ochoko earthenware cup in a custom-made gift box, stamped with the the Imperial Seal of Japan, making it a truly unique gift for sake lovers.
Ninshu is one of the most esteemed kilns in Kyoto. Established in 1646 at the imperial Ninna-ji temple, Ninshu was granted the usage of the Japanese Emperor’s mark, the chrysanthemum crest.
The kiln’s master artisans produce one-of-a-kind artistic vessels, one by one, on a potter's wheel. The beauty of Ninshu pottery lies in the precise modeling, in its bold lines, and in the richly colored glaze.
Molded with Ninshu’s unique signature style, this one-of-a-kind sake cup, uniting the delicate atmosphere of white clouds with the depth of black glaze, is testament to the kiln’s ingenious artistry.
Why Choose Sake Cups from Kyoto
Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) and Kyo-yaki (京焼) ceramics have enjoyed over four centuries of history. The names refer to pottery produced around Higashiyama in Kyoto, or within the wider city area. Kyoto ware is today a highly valued and government-designated traditional Japanese craft. Since Kyoto was long the seat of Japan’s Imperial Court, Kyoto ware is renowned for its stately elegance and ornate decoration.
Kyoto ware is nearly all handmade in small quantities. Ceramic pigments in the Kyoto region often contain large amounts of glass, which allows the artists to create wares that are extremely fine and delicate. These are highly decorative works of art that showcase classic luxury rarely found anywhere else in Japan.
The origins of the Ninshu kiln can be traced back to Ninna-ji temple, established in 888 as the residence of Emperor Uda. The Omuro (literally, the “Emperor’s living room”) kiln was founded in 1646. Due to the temple's history as a purveyor to the Emperor, Ninsei, the kiln’s founder, was granted the use of the imperial family's chrysanthemum crest. He also added his own signature to the pottery items. Authentic Ninshu ceramics are stamped with Ninshu’s signature, as a testimonial to the history of the Omuro kiln.
Caring For Your Kyoto Ware Sake Cup
This cup can be washed in the dishwasher, and used in a microwave (although not a traditional oven).
Details
- Ceramic ochoko sake cup
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- Kyo-ware/Kiyomizu-ware
- As each handmade product is unique, there will be differences in size, color, and pattern from the photographs above.
- Size: Ø 2½” (6cm), height 2” (4.5cm), capacity 2fl.oz (60ml)
- Product code: 94105WH
We are committed to providing fast and reliable delivery worldwide. All our products are shipped directly from Japan, with tracking provided for every order.
United States
All taxes and duties included. No extra charges on delivery.
- STANDARD 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99.
- EXPRESS 3–5 days: Your shipping rate is shown at checkout.
European Union & United Kingdom
- STANDARD · VAT & duties not included · 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99. Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery.
- EXPRESS · VAT & duties included · 3–5 days: Your final total is shown at checkout, with no extra charges on delivery.
Sending a gift? Choose Express to ensure your recipient has no import charges to pay.
Other Destinations
Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery. For more information, please see Taxes & Duties.
- Canada, Australia, Middle East & East Asia · 3–5 days: FREE Express shipping on orders over $99.
- New Zealand & India · Within 1 week: FREE shipping on orders over $199.
- Japan · Next business day: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Taiwan: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Other countries · 4–5 days: Shipping rates shown at checkout.
All delivery times are estimates in business days from dispatch.
If you would like to return your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns within 30 days of receiving your order.
Please note the following conditions for our 30-day return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location. We will confirm the return address for you.
- Discounted items or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- Original taxes, duties, and outward shipping costs—the full amount we paid to the carrier, including on orders with free shipping—will be deducted from the refund. This includes VAT collected at checkout for EU & UK Express shipping.
- The customer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses and duvets, mattress/duvet covers, or tatami mats.
How do I claim my return?
- Please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order.
- We will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
- Please return the item folded in its original packaging to the address we provide.
- Please send your return by normal mail (not courier), marking “Returned Items” on the customs form when returning to Japan. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) or do not mark “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be charged. These may be payable by you or deducted from your refund where permitted by law.
- Once we receive the returned item and confirm its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue your refund, subject to the deductions described above.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
For change-of-mind returns, the original outward shipping cost paid to the carrier will be deducted from your refund, including on orders that qualified for free shipping. You are also responsible for return shipping costs.
If your order arrived damaged, we will cover both the original and any required return shipping costs.
If a package is refused due to unpaid duties or taxes, outbound and return shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an eligible, unused and undamaged item, you can follow the return process above and order your replacement through our website.
Alternatively, when you contact us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement. We will hold it for you until we receive your return, subject to availability. Additional shipping costs may apply.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally, items may be damaged in transit. If your item arrives damaged, we're here to help:
- Please contact us as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of receipt. This helps us make a claim with the shipping company.
- Please keep the damaged item and its packaging, and send us some photos of the damage.
- We will arrange a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
The requested 48-hour notification period does not affect your statutory rights.
How long will my refund take?
We will process your refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item. Your payment provider may take additional time to credit your account.
