Sangiri Gourd‐shaped Sake Set
This Bizen ware sake set, including a unique gourd-shaped sake carafe, features a pattern called sangiri. The coarse texture, exquisite colors, and patterns produced by the kiln’s flames are remarkable examples of Bizen ware, celebrated as “the art of clay and fire.”
The “san” in sangiri refers to the wall inside the kiln. The work placed on the side of the wall where ash tends to accumulate is covered with ash from the pine wood, and the part of the work not directly exposed to the fire reacts with the ash, turning it grayish brown or blackish brown. The uniqueness of each firing results in distinct patterns, ensuring that every piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
The microscopic pores inside Bizen ware mellow the flavors of sake and make the aroma more fragrant. This effect has been famous for centuries, leading to the saying “second-grade sake becomes first-grade sake when sake is kept in a Bizen ware pot.”
