Obuchi Ginki Pure Silver Guinomi Sake Cup, Ganseki Rock Finish (Tokyo Ginki)

A pure silver guinomi sake cup from Obuchi Ginki of Tokyo, formed by the traditional shibori technique and given the textured "ganseki" (rock) finish, then fully polished.

Tokyo Ginki, the silversmithing tradition of Tokyo, was designated a national traditional craft of Japan in 1979. Obuchi Ginki was founded in 1955 by Obuchi Takenori, a craftsman who trained in the trade himself. Alongside the hammered goza-me and tsuchi-me surfaces, ganseki is one of the classic finishes: its slightly rough texture gives a secure grip and hides small scuffs, and the silver slowly mellows toward the soft grey tone known as ibushi-gin with use. Silver keeps chilled sake cold and is traditionally said to soften its taste.

Details

• Maker: Obuchi Ginki (大淵銀器), Tokyo
• Material: pure silver
• Finish: ganseki (rock) texture, fully polished
• Size: diameter 50 mm × height 41 mm
• Box: 76 × 60 × 76 mm; the dealer ships it in a paulownia gift box on request
• Condition: new

Watch: how Tokyo Ginki silver is hand-raised

A TEWAZA craft film showing Tokyo Ginki silversmithing techniques, from Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.