Mikio Gato TOHKA Katakuchi “Crane Hermit”

Description This single opening sake bottle of TOHKA, hand-shaped Betula grossa Polyurethane finished Katakuchi from Yamanaka hot spring in Ishikawa prefecture. It is shaped as a crane and the flow of Kakusenkei Gorge, one of the scenic spots of Yamanaka Hot Spring. It has both a beautiful and practical design, its rim is designed as delicate shape of flower with highly skilled wood curving technique. It is stylish but comforting and sophisticated. Wooden sake ware is the oldest style of sake ware. Highly skilled craftsmanship creates one of the highest standard of wooden sake ware. Origin of Yamanaka Lacquered ware is far back in Tensho Period (1592-1673) of Azuchimomoyama era. Wood Curving Craftsman who had the authority to lumber national forests migrated from Echizen Mountains, the North-East of Fukui prefecture to Yamanaka Hot Spring in Ishikawa prefecture. These craftsmen developed their wood curving techniques and founded the base of Yamanaka lacquered ware. Nowadays, Yamanaka is famous for lacquering and Makie lacquering with gold powder, especially for the tea ceremony things. The superb technique of wood curving and decorating were invented in Edo era, and now became distinguished features of Yamanaka lacquered ware. These help Yamanaka’s top sales of wooden curving products in Japan. Corresponding to the modern life style, Yamanaka tries to create new styles of tableware. Yamanaka keeps also growing as a No.1 sales for tableware as well as for its lacquered products.