Description
Xandre Store Exclusive | Okinawan Ceramic Heritage & Contemporary Collecting
Three vessels. Three glaze expressions. One collection of Okinawan ceramic craftsmanship. This handcrafted three-piece Yachimun sake cup set (ぐい呑み / お猪口) by Tsunehide Shimabukuro (島袋常秀) brings together three distinct ceramic treatments within a complementary collection. The trio presents the warm depth of Ame-yu (飴釉) amber-brown glazing, the understated natural character of an ash glaze, and the rhythmic decoration of Tokusa-inspired linear banding. Each cup possesses its own color, surface character, and visual rhythm while sharing a cohesive handcrafted form. Together, the three vessels create a compact representation of the diverse glazing and decorative language associated with Okinawan pottery. Designed for sake, Awamori, or other traditional beverages, the set can be enjoyed as functional tableware or displayed as a curated example of contemporary Yachimun craftsmanship.
Okinawan Ryukyu Ceramic Heritage
Yachimun (やちむん) is one of Okinawa's most recognizable ceramic traditions, with historic roots extending through Tsuboya and the pottery communities of Yomitan. Okinawan ceramics are distinguished by their substantial forms, earthy character, expressive glazes, and appreciation of the natural variations produced through individual craftsmanship and firing.
Small drinking vessels such as Guinomi (ぐい呑み) and Ochoko (お猪口) occupy a special place within Japanese drinking culture. Their compact proportions encourage the drinker to experience the color, aroma, temperature, and character of the beverage alongside the vessel itself. This three-piece collection expands that experience by presenting three different surface treatments side by side.
Master Tsunehide Shimabukuro - Handcrafted Sake Cup Trio
Handcrafted in Okinawa, Japan, by Tsunehide Shimabukuro (島袋常秀) of Tsunehide Kobo (常秀工房), the trio consists of three individually crafted ceramic sake cups with compact silhouettes and elevated unglazed foot sections. The first cup features a rich Ame-yu (飴釉) finish, producing warm amber-brown and deeper chestnut tones across its glossy surface.
The second cup presents a more restrained natural ash-glazed appearance, allowing the ceramic body and subtle glaze variation to take center stage. The third cup combines a soft cream-beige base with horizontal iron-red and green-toned bands inspired by the traditional Tokusa (トクサ) decorative vocabulary. Together, the three cups offer contrasting expressions of color, texture, and decoration while retaining the unmistakable individuality of handmade Okinawan pottery.
Highlights
- Curated Three-Piece Collection: Includes three individually handcrafted sake cups featuring distinct glaze and decorative treatments.
- Three Ceramic Expressions: Combines Ame-yu amber iron glaze, natural ash glazing, and Tokusa-inspired linear banding.
- Handcrafted by Tsunehide Shimabukuro: Each vessel is individually formed, glazed, decorated, and fired.
- Elevated Foot Design: Unglazed pedestal-style bases provide visual definition and a comfortable holding experience.
- Traditional Drinking Form: Compact proportions are suited to sake, Awamori, and other traditional beverages.
- Complementary Presentation: The contrasting surfaces create a natural visual progression when the three cups are displayed together.
- Living Okinawan Craft: Connects functional drinking ware with the enduring aesthetic character of Yachimun pottery.
- Collectible Cultural Object: Provides an accessible way to experience several ceramic surface treatments within a single curated set.
Three Glazes, Three Personalities
The defining feature of this trio is contrast. The Ame-yu cup expresses warmth through its deep amber-brown surface and reflective glaze. The ash-glazed cup takes a quieter approach, allowing natural tonal movement and the underlying ceramic form to become the focus.
The Tokusa-inspired cup introduces rhythm through horizontal bands of contrasting color across its lighter ceramic surface. Placed together, these three vessels demonstrate how changes in glaze and decoration can create dramatically different visual personalities while maintaining a common handcrafted foundation.
The Beauty of Handmade Yachimun
Each cup is individually produced, meaning that the three vessels should not be expected to display absolute uniformity. Variations may occur in glaze thickness, surface texture, line spacing, rim profile, tonal depth, firing coloration, and the movement of glaze across the ceramic body. The ash-glazed and Ame-yu surfaces may develop particularly subtle differences depending on application and firing, while the hand-applied linear decoration may exhibit natural variation in spacing and line weight. These characteristics are inherent to handmade pottery and contribute to the individual identity of each vessel. For collectors, the beauty lies not in mechanical perfection, but in the relationship between the artisan's hand and the unpredictable nature of ceramic firing.
Specifications
Artist / Studio: Tsunehide Shimabukuro (島袋常秀) / Tsunehide Kobo (常秀工房)
Origin: Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Category: Handcrafted Ceramic Sake Cup Set / Guinomi / Ochoko / Fine Art Tableware
Collection: Okinawan Historic Yachimun Collection
Glaze Styles: Ame-yu Amber Iron Glaze (飴釉), Natural Ash Glaze, and Tokusa-Inspired Linear Banding
Maker's Mark: 「常」 studio mark where applicable
Materials: Okinawan ceramic clay with traditional glaze treatments
Color: One amber-brown cup; one natural tan/cream ash-glazed cup; one cream-beige cup with iron-red and green-toned line accents
Approx. Height per Cup: 4.5–5.5 cm
Approx. Rim Diameter per Cup: 5.5–6.5 cm
Quantity: Three (3) handcrafted Okinawan ceramic sake cups — one trio set
Packaging: Presentation gift box; heritage or studio documentation where available
Historic Craft & Individual Character
The character of this collection lies in its connection to Okinawa's enduring ceramic culture and the broader Mingei (民藝) appreciation of beauty within functional handmade objects. Rather than presenting three identical vessels, the collection highlights different approaches to surface treatment and decoration. Each cup retains the physical evidence of the ceramic process: variations in glaze movement, surface texture, color depth, line application, rim shape, and firing atmosphere. These differences should be regarded as part of the character of handmade Yachimun rather than imperfections. The result is a trio in which each vessel stands independently while contributing to the character of the collection as a whole.
Care Instructions
Rinse gently with warm water after use. When necessary, use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly before storage. To help protect the ceramic body and glaze finish, avoid dishwashers and microwaves and do not expose the cups to sudden or extreme temperature changes.
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. Any applicable charges are the responsibility of the recipient.
Xandre Store - Bringing Okinawan Craftsmanship to the World
At Xandre Store, we believe Japanese craftsmanship offers more than beautiful objects—it provides a tangible connection to the culture, history, materials, and regional identity behind their creation. This three-piece Yachimun sake cup collection captures that philosophy through three distinct ceramic expressions brought together as one curated set.
One collection. Three surfaces.
Three individual expressions of Okinawan ceramic craftsmanship. From the warmth of Ame-yu to the quiet character of ash glaze and the rhythm of Tokusa-inspired lines, this trio offers a distinctive way to experience and preserve a small piece of Okinawan Ryukyu ceramic heritage.
Description
Xandre Store Exclusive | Okinawan Ceramic Heritage & Contemporary Collecting
Three vessels. Three glaze expressions. One collection of Okinawan ceramic craftsmanship. This handcrafted three-piece Yachimun sake cup set (ぐい呑み / お猪口) by Tsunehide Shimabukuro (島袋常秀) brings together three distinct ceramic treatments within a complementary collection. The trio presents the warm depth of Ame-yu (飴釉) amber-brown glazing, the understated natural character of an ash glaze, and the rhythmic decoration of Tokusa-inspired linear banding. Each cup possesses its own color, surface character, and visual rhythm while sharing a cohesive handcrafted form. Together, the three vessels create a compact representation of the diverse glazing and decorative language associated with Okinawan pottery. Designed for sake, Awamori, or other traditional beverages, the set can be enjoyed as functional tableware or displayed as a curated example of contemporary Yachimun craftsmanship.
Okinawan Ryukyu Ceramic Heritage
Yachimun (やちむん) is one of Okinawa's most recognizable ceramic traditions, with historic roots extending through Tsuboya and the pottery communities of Yomitan. Okinawan ceramics are distinguished by their substantial forms, earthy character, expressive glazes, and appreciation of the natural variations produced through individual craftsmanship and firing.
Small drinking vessels such as Guinomi (ぐい呑み) and Ochoko (お猪口) occupy a special place within Japanese drinking culture. Their compact proportions encourage the drinker to experience the color, aroma, temperature, and character of the beverage alongside the vessel itself. This three-piece collection expands that experience by presenting three different surface treatments side by side.
Master Tsunehide Shimabukuro - Handcrafted Sake Cup Trio
Handcrafted in Okinawa, Japan, by Tsunehide Shimabukuro (島袋常秀) of Tsunehide Kobo (常秀工房), the trio consists of three individually crafted ceramic sake cups with compact silhouettes and elevated unglazed foot sections. The first cup features a rich Ame-yu (飴釉) finish, producing warm amber-brown and deeper chestnut tones across its glossy surface.
The second cup presents a more restrained natural ash-glazed appearance, allowing the ceramic body and subtle glaze variation to take center stage. The third cup combines a soft cream-beige base with horizontal iron-red and green-toned bands inspired by the traditional Tokusa (トクサ) decorative vocabulary. Together, the three cups offer contrasting expressions of color, texture, and decoration while retaining the unmistakable individuality of handmade Okinawan pottery.
Highlights
- Curated Three-Piece Collection: Includes three individually handcrafted sake cups featuring distinct glaze and decorative treatments.
- Three Ceramic Expressions: Combines Ame-yu amber iron glaze, natural ash glazing, and Tokusa-inspired linear banding.
- Handcrafted by Tsunehide Shimabukuro: Each vessel is individually formed, glazed, decorated, and fired.
- Elevated Foot Design: Unglazed pedestal-style bases provide visual definition and a comfortable holding experience.
- Traditional Drinking Form: Compact proportions are suited to sake, Awamori, and other traditional beverages.
- Complementary Presentation: The contrasting surfaces create a natural visual progression when the three cups are displayed together.
- Living Okinawan Craft: Connects functional drinking ware with the enduring aesthetic character of Yachimun pottery.
- Collectible Cultural Object: Provides an accessible way to experience several ceramic surface treatments within a single curated set.
Three Glazes, Three Personalities
The defining feature of this trio is contrast. The Ame-yu cup expresses warmth through its deep amber-brown surface and reflective glaze. The ash-glazed cup takes a quieter approach, allowing natural tonal movement and the underlying ceramic form to become the focus.
The Tokusa-inspired cup introduces rhythm through horizontal bands of contrasting color across its lighter ceramic surface. Placed together, these three vessels demonstrate how changes in glaze and decoration can create dramatically different visual personalities while maintaining a common handcrafted foundation.
The Beauty of Handmade Yachimun
Each cup is individually produced, meaning that the three vessels should not be expected to display absolute uniformity. Variations may occur in glaze thickness, surface texture, line spacing, rim profile, tonal depth, firing coloration, and the movement of glaze across the ceramic body. The ash-glazed and Ame-yu surfaces may develop particularly subtle differences depending on application and firing, while the hand-applied linear decoration may exhibit natural variation in spacing and line weight. These characteristics are inherent to handmade pottery and contribute to the individual identity of each vessel. For collectors, the beauty lies not in mechanical perfection, but in the relationship between the artisan's hand and the unpredictable nature of ceramic firing.
Specifications
Artist / Studio: Tsunehide Shimabukuro (島袋常秀) / Tsunehide Kobo (常秀工房)
Origin: Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Category: Handcrafted Ceramic Sake Cup Set / Guinomi / Ochoko / Fine Art Tableware
Collection: Okinawan Historic Yachimun Collection
Glaze Styles: Ame-yu Amber Iron Glaze (飴釉), Natural Ash Glaze, and Tokusa-Inspired Linear Banding
Maker's Mark: 「常」 studio mark where applicable
Materials: Okinawan ceramic clay with traditional glaze treatments
Color: One amber-brown cup; one natural tan/cream ash-glazed cup; one cream-beige cup with iron-red and green-toned line accents
Approx. Height per Cup: 4.5–5.5 cm
Approx. Rim Diameter per Cup: 5.5–6.5 cm
Quantity: Three (3) handcrafted Okinawan ceramic sake cups — one trio set
Packaging: Presentation gift box; heritage or studio documentation where available
Historic Craft & Individual Character
The character of this collection lies in its connection to Okinawa's enduring ceramic culture and the broader Mingei (民藝) appreciation of beauty within functional handmade objects. Rather than presenting three identical vessels, the collection highlights different approaches to surface treatment and decoration. Each cup retains the physical evidence of the ceramic process: variations in glaze movement, surface texture, color depth, line application, rim shape, and firing atmosphere. These differences should be regarded as part of the character of handmade Yachimun rather than imperfections. The result is a trio in which each vessel stands independently while contributing to the character of the collection as a whole.
Care Instructions
Rinse gently with warm water after use. When necessary, use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly before storage. To help protect the ceramic body and glaze finish, avoid dishwashers and microwaves and do not expose the cups to sudden or extreme temperature changes.
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. Any applicable charges are the responsibility of the recipient.
Xandre Store - Bringing Okinawan Craftsmanship to the World
At Xandre Store, we believe Japanese craftsmanship offers more than beautiful objects—it provides a tangible connection to the culture, history, materials, and regional identity behind their creation. This three-piece Yachimun sake cup collection captures that philosophy through three distinct ceramic expressions brought together as one curated set.
One collection. Three surfaces.
Three individual expressions of Okinawan ceramic craftsmanship. From the warmth of Ame-yu to the quiet character of ash glaze and the rhythm of Tokusa-inspired lines, this trio offers a distinctive way to experience and preserve a small piece of Okinawan Ryukyu ceramic heritage.
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