Koji Inoue

Chosen Karatsu Guinomi (Sake Cup)

£190.00

Taxes included.

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This Chosen Karatsu cup is handmade by Koji Inoue, a Karatsu potter known for his refined forms and distinctive natural glazes. Using the finest raw materials from the local region, each piece has its own unique character, with subtle variations that make it truly bespoke.

Chosen Karatsu is a traditional ceramic style from the Karatsu region in Saga Prefecture, influenced by Korean pottery techniques introduced to Japan in the late 16th century. Known for its earthy tones and natural glazes, it embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating simplicity, imperfection, and natural beauty. The subtle glaze movement and organic details give each piece a timeless elegance, making it especially cherished in Japanese tea culture.

Delightfully small yet slightly taller in form, this cup is versatile enough for tea, spirits, or water. The sharp interior edges highlight the meeting point between glaze and ceramic, creating a striking contrast of colour and texture that elevates any teaware collection.

This item comes with its own signed wooden box, tied with a traditional Japanese ribbon.

Dimensions

Cup: 7 cm L x 7 cm H. Box: 9 cm L x 9 cm H x 9 cm D

Region

Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan

Care

As each item is handmade and fragile, we encourage you to hand wash only as it is not suitable for dishwasher or microwave.

Shipping & Returns

Delivery

We generally use Royal Mail for our deliveries:

UK Standard Delivery (dispatched in 3–5 working days) – £4.95
UK orders over £60 – FREE
Store Collection (1–2 working days) – FREE
EU Delivery – £19.00
US Delivery – from £15.00
Everywhere Else – from £16.00

Delivery times are estimates and may vary during busy periods or due to customs.

Customs & Import Charges

For EU orders under €150 (excluding shipping), VAT is collected at checkout. Orders over €150 may be subject to additional customs charges on arrival.

For deliveries outside the EU, any customs duties, taxes or import fees are the responsibility of the customer.

For full Delivery details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.

Returns

We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’re happy to help.

Full-price items: return within 14 days
Return postage: paid by the customer, unless the item is faulty, incorrect or not as described
Food items: unfortunately cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons

For full Returns details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.

Chosen Karatsu Guinomi (Sake Cup)

£190.00

Koji Inoue

Born in Karatsu in 1974, Koji Inoue has dedicated his life to mastering traditional Japanese ceramics.

He graduated in 1999 from Tama Art University, specialising in Craft Design (Metal Course), and continued as a research student in the same field. In 2002, he completed his studies at Arita Ceramics College and apprenticed under Jun Isezaki, a renowned Bizen potter, from 2002 to 2005.

In 2006, Koji began working at the Kyozangama Kiln, established by his father, Touya Inoue, who had been a potter and artist with a deep connection to Karatsu ware. Under his father's guidance, Koji transitioned from his previous experiences to fully immerse himself in the legacy of traditional Karatsu pottery. After his father's passing in 2013, Koji continued the family tradition and worked diligently to refine his own distinctive style, focusing on the deep aesthetics and techniques his father had fostered.

Koji's ceramics, characterised by their clean forms and rich glazes, reflect his deep appreciation for traditional aesthetics. His work has been recognised at prestigious events, including the "Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition" at the Tanabe Museum of Art. His personal interest in the tea ceremony further enriches his creations, blending functionality with artistic expression.

View more work by Koji Inoue