Akae-Saibyo Gourd Sake Cup
This sake cup, a masterpiece by Fukushima Reiko, features delicate red patterns on the upper portion, beautifully contrasting with the vibrant red fill below. Accented with luxurious gold, the cup exudes elegance. The gourd motif painted inside is a symbol of good fortune in Japanese culture, promising abundance and prosperity to its owner.
Akae-saibyo is a refined Kutani ware technique originating in the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE). Mastered at the Miyamoto Kiln, this art form employs bengara, a red iron oxide pigment, to meticulously depict birds, flowers, landscapes, and human figures. While some pieces are enhanced with gold accents, the core of akae-saibyo lies in its monochromatic red palette. Renowned for its exceptionally fine lines, often as thin as 0.1 mm (0.004 in), artisans manipulate line density to create subtle variations in red hue, adding depth and richness to their designs.
