Posted 5 years ago
kwqd
(1185 items)
The tokkuri (decanter) is 5.5" high x 4" diameter and the ochoko (cups) are about 1.5" high x 2.25" diameter. The stamps on the tomobako, tokkuri and on the ochoko are hard to read but I eventually concluded that they reveal that this set was made by Watanbe Jyozan of the Jozan studio in the Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan. The pottery stamps are not super clear, so the maker may be another member of this family.
This set is Hagi Ware, but it was inexpensive, much cheaper than buying a new set. It has never been used, however, probably bought as a souvenir on a trip to Japan or in a duty free shop. The set is a bit "rustic" and lacks any decoration, which I like and are also traits of Hagi Ware. It looks at though the person who did the glazing was having a bad day, also sometimes seen on Hagi Ware, but I wanted the wooden box, even though it needs a bit of re-gluing.
I originally bought these to use, not for my collection, but after figuring out what they are, I am now on the fence so bought another cheap set to use. One by one my cats have broken my ochoko and are eyeing the remaining tokkuri that I keep out, so I had planned to use these but to store them in the box when not in use. My current set, I left out as a decoration. Luckily it was just a cheapo Kafuh set purchased at World Market a dozen years, or so, ago. It took my boys and girls that long to break all four cups. I like using a tokkuri and ochoko as it slows down the process of consuming sake and makes me conscious of how much I am drinking. Pretty sure I have a nice porcelain sake set somewhere, but can't find it. Drinking sake has some health benefits.
Sake is good for you!
https://www.doyou.com/3-reasons-to-skip-wine-and-go-for-sake-90674/
About sake sets:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake_set
About Hagi Ware:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagi_ware
http://www.e-yakimono.net/guide/html/hagi.html
https://kogeijapan.com/locale/en_US/hagiyaki/
Japanese Pottery marks blog site, including this page which has Hagi ware and enabled me to tentatively conclude that the maker of this set is Watanabe Jyozan of Jozan-gama (gama = studio):
http://modernjapanesepotterymarks.blogspot.com/search/label/Hagiyaki
Thanks fortapache and MALKEY!
Thanks Jenni and Lisa!
Thanks for taking a look at my Hagi Ware sake set Ben!
Thanks for loving my my Hagi sake set, Kevin!
Interesting to note that I found this in Great Falls, Montana, which may be why it was never used. I don't really associate sake consumption with GF,M!
Thanks for taking a look at my Hagi Ware sake set PhilDMorris!
Today, the light was finally right to get some better images of the slip and glaze, and an actual readable image of the stamp on this sake set. The slip and glaze are fairly subtle and not very image friendly with the tools that I have, so I've been struggling to get something decent. Image three is probably the best I will be able to do. Reconsidered adding this to my collection versus using it, as it is growing on me and it is in unused condition. It is not a premium set, but I purchased a super cheap Asahi pottery set from the 1970s to use instead. Slightly over my May budget, now. :(
I believe that I have identified the pottery and potter who made this sake set. Based on the marks on the site below, I believe it was made at the Jozan-gama in Yamaguchi Prefecture by Watanabe Jyozan. See the marks on the meoto unomi and tomabako part way down the page:
http://modernjapanesepotterymarks.blogspot.com/search/label/Hagiyaki
This is a very good site for researching contemporary Japanese pottery marks, though a bit search unfriendly if you don't have an idea of what you are looking for.
I completely understand that, renedijkstra. I have started mail ordering my sake and it is now delivered to my home. I became a vegan years ago, so sashimi is off the menu for me, though I do miss it sometimes... I guess I really mostly miss going to the sushi bar and watching the preparation...