Sake Cup “Akebono” – In the Light of Dawn

The Urushi sake cup “Akebono” bears a name of poetic significance: Akebono (曙) is the Japanese word for dawn – that magical twilight when the night slowly yields to the first light of day.

The cup’s delicate lacquer finish reflects this moment: a gentle gradient transitioning from the deep darkness of night to a soft red hue – like the horizon slowly illuminated by the rising sun.

Crafted using traditional Urushi techniques and completed by hand, this cup combines symbolic depth with aesthetic simplicity. It is suited not only for the mindful enjoyment of sake, but also as an object of contemplation – a vessel that captures more than just drink, but also mood and moment in time.

From Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kanazawa is located in Ishikawa Prefecture on the west coast of Honshu, about two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The name literally means “golden marsh” and stems from a legend that gold flakes were once found in a potato field.

Since the 16th century, Kanazawa was the seat of the Maeda lords, which led to a flourishing period as a cultural and political center of the region. The city was well fortified, yet also rich in temples and gardens—most notably Kenroku-en, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.”