Vintage Japanese Sometsuke Porcelain Katakuchi and Sakazuki Sake Set, Heisei 1990-2018 | SKU: 26M-855

Vintage Japanese Sometsuke Porcelain Katakuchi and Sakazuki Sake Set, Heisei 1990-2018 | SKU: 26M-855

A striking sometsuke sake serving set -- katakuchi pourer and graduated sakazuki cups -- dressed in deep cobalt phoenix and karakusa vine motifs, presented in its original wooden storage box.

A katakuchi is a traditional Japanese open-mouthed pouring vessel used to serve sake, vinegar, or dashi, distinguished by its side spout and absence of a separate lid. This finely crafted set pairs the katakuchi with a graduated trio of footed sakazuki cups, each wheel-thrown in white porcelain and decorated in the sometsuke (cobalt blue underglaze) tradition. The flat, disc-shaped body of the pourer rises to a tall, slender neck ringed with stylized arrow-feather banding, while the broad surface is covered in swirling karakusa vines interwoven with a soaring ho-o (phoenix) -- a motif long associated with good fortune and celebratory occasions in Japanese ceramic art. The footed cups mirror the same bold imagery, their wide, gently flaring bowls painted with phoenix and scrolling vine on a deep blue ground, each resting on a neatly turned pedestal foot with zigzag banding. Maker's marks are visible on the foot rings, and the set is accompanied by a handwritten wooden storage box inscribed with the pattern name and artist or kiln attribution, consistent with the high-craft presentation typical of vintage Japanese porcelain serveware from the Heisei era.

In a modern home, this katakuchi sake set brings an instant focal point to a dining table, bar cart, or living room display shelf. Use the katakuchi as a bud vase or small floral vessel alongside the stacked cups for a layered Japandi-style table vignette. The set also makes a distinguished gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics, a housewarming gift for admirers of blue-and-white porcelain, or a conversation piece displayed in a glass cabinet alongside other sometsuke pieces. The wooden box adds a layer of authenticity and makes storage and gifting equally elegant.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: White porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze (sometsuke); wooden storage box
• Use: Traditional sake serving -- katakuchi pourer with graduated footed sakazuki cups
• Modern Use: Bar cart accent or bud vase; display piece in a glass cabinet or on a living room shelf; housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese blue-and-white porcelain
• Features: Flat disc-bodied katakuchi pourer on small feet with tall narrow neck and curved side spout; graduated set of footed sakazuki cups in matching sometsuke decoration; bold ho-o (phoenix) and karakusa vine motif throughout; maker's marks on foot rings; original handwritten wooden storage box included
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"Diameter x 5 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A boldly decorated vintage Japanese porcelain sake set -- ready to pour ceremony and beauty into any modern home or collection.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.