A deep-gray body with a whisper of dark gold at the rim—hold it and you’ll feel the metallic presence of this ceramic cup. Up close, the surface resembles rugged stone, its coarse texture paired with a restrained, substantial gold—this is a shōchū cup crafted in Jingdezhen.

Shōchū is a spirit with strong character; variations in local water, ingredients, and climate create distinct regional flavors. In Kagoshima, people practice a unique pre-mixing ritual called “maewari”: combining shōchū and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio in a ceramic vessel and letting it rest, which softens the taste and brings out rounder, sweeter notes.

“Form must be beautiful, workmanship skillful, and color perfect” — a fitting tribute to Jingdezhen’s exquisite ceramics. From blue-and-white porcelain to delicate famille rose and cloisonné-like enamel glazes, the kiln’s creations have long been celebrated for their unparalleled beauty.