A Kogaratsu sake cup fired during the Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo periods. It has a deep, steep shape, enveloped in a loquat-coloured glaze, which extends gracefully up to the waist, creating a beautiful contrast with the rough, reddish-brown foot. Air bubbles within the glaze enhance its textural depth, while its long history of use has bestowed upon it a captivating wet sheen, reflecting the well-loved nature of the piece.

As a “Horinote” (early excavation piece), this cup was unearthed during the late Edo period and cherished across generations, adding to its historical value. The deep and inviting well, along with the cup’s overall understated yet quaint artistry with the versatile size, is suitable for use as both a tea cup and a generously sized sake cup.

The piece is in excellent condition, with no noticeable defects, and it is accompanied by an old box inscribed “Karatsu sake cup.”