Vivid phoenix and peony motifs draw the eye in this beautifully crafted guinomi sake cup. Its form settles naturally in the hand, allowing the warmth of stoneware and the softness of the detailed brushwork to be appreciated up close.

The decoration is rendered in akae, using Zoho Kiln’s specially developed natural bengara pigment, prepared from a bengara material no longer in production and carefully preserved by the kiln. Over time, the vibrant red will gently mature, gaining depth and character through years of use.

Executed in soft, fluid strokes, the phoenix and peony motifs bring movement and vitality to the surface. A phoenix, a symbol of auspiciousness, shimmers gently at the base each time sake is poured, while the peony adorning the exterior lends a celebratory spirit to the table.