Vintage Japanese Bizen-yaki Sake Set, Tokkuri and Guinomi, Heisei Era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26J-0681

Vintage Japanese Bizen-yaki Sake Set, Tokkuri and Guinomi, Heisei Era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26J-0681

A signed artist sake set in unglazed Bizen stoneware, alive with natural ash-flash and fire-blush from the kiln -- presented in its original wooden keepsake box.

A tokkuri is a traditional Japanese sake flask used to pour and sometimes warm nihonshu (sake), while a guinomi is a deep, generous sake cup favored by connoisseurs who appreciate the tactile pleasure of rustic stoneware. This matched set is consistent with Bizen-yaki -- one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated ceramic traditions, originating in Okayama Prefecture and prized for firing without glaze. The rich, unpredictable surface coloration seen here -- ranging from deep iron-brown and smoky charcoal across the body to vivid red-orange hidasuki fire-marks and scattered natural ash deposits -- is achieved entirely through the interaction of flame, ash, and clay in a long anagama or noborigama kiln firing. The squat, rounded tokkuri with its narrow neck and flared lip, and the open-mouthed, slightly barrel-shaped guinomi, both embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic: quiet, imperfect, and deeply considered. An impressed artist seal is visible on the foot of the tokkuri, and the accompanying wooden presentation box bears brushed calligraphy and a red artist seal, indicating this is a named-artist work -- a hallmark of collectible Japanese craft ceramics.

Beyond serving sake, this handcrafted Japanese ceramic set brings a grounded, earthy warmth to any modern interior. The tokkuri doubles beautifully as a bud vase or flower vessel for a single stem -- a natural fit for a living room accent shelf, a bedroom nightstand vignette, or a minimalist dining table centerpiece in the Japandi style. The guinomi works equally well as a small desk organizer for nibs or clips, a ring dish, or a votive candle holder. Displayed together with their wooden box, the set makes a distinctive and meaningful housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles and ceramics collectors alike -- a piece of living Japanese craft culture that needs no explanation to command attention.

• Origin: Japan, likely Bizen, Okayama Prefecture
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Unglazed stoneware, consistent with Bizen-yaki; natural ash deposits and hidasuki fire-marks; wooden presentation box included
• Use: Serving and drinking sake (nihonshu); tokkuri flask and guinomi cup
• Modern Use: Bud vase or single-stem flower vessel; ring dish or small desk organizer; decorative living room or dining table accent in a wabi-sabi or Japandi-style setting
• Features: Unglazed surfaces with dramatic natural fire coloration ranging from iron-brown to red-orange hidasuki marks and scattered ash glaze; impressed artist seal on tokkuri foot; signed wooden keepsake box with brushed calligraphy and red seal; tokkuri with narrow neck and flared lip; rounded guinomi with open mouth
• Dimensions: 3 1/2"Diameter x 5 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare signed example of handcrafted Japanese ceramic art -- where the kiln itself is the artist, and every surface tells the story of fire.

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.