Xandre Store Exclusive: Celebrating Okinawan Artisanal Heritage through Contemporary Ceramic Fine Art

Discover how Xandre LLC bridges traditional Ryukyu ceramic craftsmanship with contemporary luxury collecting. Sourced directly from Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯) in Okinawa, our curated catalog presents authentic Yachimun pottery incorporating historically significant clay associated with the restoration of Shuri Castle—transforming a connection to Okinawa's royal heritage into an elegant, limited-edition sake vessel.

Okinawan Ryukyu Historic Clay Collection

Rising above the roofline of Shuri Castle's Main Hall (正殿 / Seiden), the traditional Ryuto-Munakazari (龍頭棟飾 / Guardian Dragon Ridge Ornaments) represent the powerful protective symbolism of Ryukyu architecture. During restoration work involving these historic roof ornaments, locally sourced clay associated with their production was reclaimed for a new generation of Okinawan ceramic art.

Master ceramic artist Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) of Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯) gives this historically connected material new life through traditional forming and high-temperature firing techniques. The result is a distinctive collection of small vessels that combines the material character of Okinawan earth with the refined ritual of Japanese sake and awamori appreciation.

Katsunosuke Futamata: Handcrafted Shuri Castle Restored-Clay Pedestal Sake Cup (ぐい呑み)

Handcrafted in Okinawa, Japan, by master potter Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助), this elegant pedestal-style Guinomi (ぐい呑み) features a gently flared cup supported by a raised foot. Its natural ash-glazed surface reveals rich mineral-brown tones, subtle firing variations, and an organic tactile character that reflects the individuality of traditional Okinawan kiln work.

1. Historic Shuri Castle Clay Connection: Incorporates reclaimed Okinawan clay associated with the production of the Main Hall's traditional guardian dragon ridge ornaments (Ryuto-Munakazari).
2. Master Ceramicist Craftsmanship: Individually formed and finished by Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) of Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯).
3. Elegant Pedestal Profile: The raised foot creates a refined goblet-like silhouette, providing comfortable handling while giving the cup a distinctive presence on the table.
4. Natural Ash-Glaze Character: Wood-ash firing produces an earthy mineral-brown surface with subtle speckling, tonal depth, and naturally occurring glaze variation.
5. Functional Fine Art: Sized for enjoying sake, awamori, or other small pours while also serving as a collectible expression of Okinawan ceramic heritage.
6. Limited Heritage Edition: Presented as part of a limited Shuri Castle-related collection connecting historic restoration materials with contemporary Yachimun craftsmanship.

Curator's Note: Every Shuri Castle restored-clay sake cup is individually handcrafted and fired. Variations in clay texture, ash-glaze movement, mineral speckling, coloration, and surface character are natural hallmarks of authentic Okinawan studio pottery. Each cup therefore possesses its own individual character.

Specifications

1. Master Craftsman / Studio: Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) / Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯)
2. Origin: Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
3. Category: Limited-Edition Ceramic Sake Cup / Guinomi / Fine Art Drinkware
4. Collection: Shuri Castle Historic Clay Limited Edition Collection (首里城 数量限定販売)
5. Craft Tradition: Okinawan Yachimun Ceramic Art
6. Materials: Reclaimed Shuri Castle restoration clay, natural wood-ash glaze
7. Color: Earthy mineral brown with natural ash-glaze highlights
8. Dimensions:
9. Top Rim Diameter: Approx. 5.5–6.5 cm (2.2–2.6 inches)
10. Base Pedestal Diameter: Approx. 4.5–5.0 cm (1.8–2.0 inches)
11. Height: Approx. 6.5–7.5 cm (2.6–3.0 inches)
12. Weight: Approx. 110–150 g
13. Packaging: Signature presentation box with available historical/authenticity documentation
14. Quantity Included: One (1) handcrafted limited-edition Shuri Castle historic-clay pedestal sake cup

Historic Material & Authenticity

The significance of this vessel extends beyond its form. Its historic-clay connection provides a tangible link between Shuri Castle restoration, Okinawan architectural heritage, and contemporary Yachimun craftsmanship. Because the vessel is individually shaped and kiln-fired, each piece displays its own combination of clay texture, firing marks, glaze movement, and coloration. These natural differences are part of the authenticity and character of handmade ceramic art.

Care

Rinse gently with warm water after use. If detergent is required, use a mild dish soap with a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or allow the cup to air-dry completely before storage.

Do not use in a dishwasher or microwave. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemical cleaners, and sudden temperature changes to preserve the natural ceramic and ash-glazed surface.

Shipping & International Orders

Domestic shipping within Japan is available. International orders may be subject to additional shipping charges, import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or other local taxes, which remain the responsibility of the recipient.