The Story of the Odate Magewappa Sake Set
In the quiet moments of life, a sip of sake can be a profound experience—a ritual that connects us to centuries of Japanese culture. But the vessel from which you drink is as important as the sake itself. It has the power to transform a simple beverage into a multi-sensory journey. The Odate Magewappa Sake Set by Kurikyu is an invitation to experience sake at its absolute finest, cradled in a masterpiece of heritage and masterful craftsmanship. Crafted from the wood of ancient forests with generational skill, this vessel made of pure, fragrant Akita cedar will enrich your sake experience.
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A 1,000-Year Legacy: The Art of Odate Magewappa
The heart of this Japanese "Magewappa" Sake Set sake set lies in the ancient craft of Odate Magewappa, a tradition from Odate City in Akita Prefecture, a region famed for its pristine natural beauty. With origins tracing back over 1,000 years to Japan's Heian period, this woodworking technique was later refined by samurai as a supplementary craft. The process is a testament to patience and precision. It begins with the careful selection of mature, straight-grained Akita cedar. Thin sheets of this precious wood are boiled to become pliable, skillfully bent by hand into their cylindrical shape, and then meticulously stitched together with dark cherry bark. This time-honored technique, passed down through countless generations, creates products renowned for being lightweight, yet possessing excellent moisture-absorbing properties, which are ideal for preserving the integrity of food and drink. Cedar, with its low thermal conductivity, retains heat more effectively than glass or metal, maintaining the initial temperature for longer. This makes the Odate Magewappa sake set an excellent choice for those who wish to savor their sake slowly.
Premium Japanese Sake Set by Kurikyu
This Japanese "Magewappa" Sake Set is crafted by Kurikyu, a celebrated Odate Magewappa brand founded in 1874. For nearly 150 years, Kurikyu has been a pillar of craftsmanship in Odate City. Today, the workshop is led by the sixth-generation artisan, Mr. Shunji Kurimori. At 76 years old, Mr. Kurimori has been officially recognized by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a "Master of Traditional Crafts" and lauded as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" for his excellent skill and dedication to preserving this vital piece of Japanese heritage. When you hold this sake set, you are holding the culmination of his life's work and the legacy of the five generations that came before him.
Design of Japanese Magewappa Sake Set
The design of the Kurikyu Magewappa Sake Set embraces the Japanese aesthetic of shibui—a quiet, unobtrusive beauty. Every element is intentionally crafted to enhance the ritual of drinking sake.
Nature's Finest Material
The set is crafted exclusively from the finest Akita cedar, celebrated for its beautiful, straight grain and natural warmth. The delicate texture of the wood grain is pleasant to the touch and serves to enrich the flavor of the sake.
Signature Craftsmanship
The seamless bend of the wood, a hallmark of Magewappa, is secured by a delicate, precise stitching of cherry bark. This not only provides structural integrity but also serves as a beautiful design accent.
A Feast for the Senses
The cedar is uncoated on the inside, allowing it to breathe. This infuses the sake with a subtle, fragrant cedar aroma, which softens the taste and adds a new layer of complexity to its flavor profile.
Lightweight and Timeless
The forms are simple, cylindrical, and incredibly lightweight, making them a pleasure to hold and use. The design transcends trends, embodying a timeless elegance that fits perfectly within a Japandi or minimalist interior.
How to Enjoy the Japanese Magewappa Sake Cup Set
This sake set is designed for moments of quiet indulgence and heartfelt connection. Its true magic is revealed when used for warmed sake (atsukan or nurukan), as the heat gently releases the soothing, forest-like aroma of the Akita cedar, creating an immersive and restorative experience.
- Luxurious Evenings: Transform a simple evening at home into a luxurious retreat. Pour a premium sake into the pitcher, gently warm it, and savor the enhanced flavor and aroma for a moment of pure tranquility.
Sharing Hospitality: When hosting guests, serving sake in this set is a gesture of ultimate hospitality. It demonstrates a deep appreciation for culture and quality, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories.
A Gift of Heritage: It is the ideal choice for a sake connoisseur, a lover of Japanese culture, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of authentic, handmade objects. It is a gift that carries the weight of history and the touch of a master's hand.
Mindful Rituals: Use the set to create your own mindful ritual. The act of pouring the sake, feeling the warmth through the wood, and inhaling the gentle aroma can be a meditative practice, grounding you in the present moment.
Sake Set Specs and Care for Longevity
To honor the natural materials and masterful craftsmanship, proper care will ensure this sake set remains a cherished item for generations.
Washing Instructions: After use, hand wash gently with lukewarm water and a soft sponge. Do not use harsh detergents. Immediately wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth and allow it to air dry completely away from direct sunlight.
Important Precautions: Do not soak in water for extended periods. This set is not suitable for use in a microwave, dishwasher, or oven.
Product Contents: 1 Sake Pitcher (Tokkuri) and 2 Sake Cups (Guinomi)
Material: Natural Akita Cedar, Cherry Bark
Origin: Odate, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Brand: Kurikyu
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Dimensions:
Sake Pitcher: Approx. 4.3" H × 2.5" D (11.0 cm × 6.3 cm)
Sake Cups: Approx. 1.8" H × 2.2" D (4.5 cm × 5.7 cm)
Summary
- Handcrafted by Mr. Kurimori, a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" of Japan, from the historic Kurikyu workshop.
Made from the finest natural Akita cedar using the 1,000-year-old Odate Magewappa technique.
The uncoated cedar naturally infuses sake with a delicate, soothing aroma, softening and enhancing its flavor, especially when warmed.
An incredibly lightweight and timeless design that embodies the principles of Japanese aesthetics and wabi-sabi.
Represents a perfect synthesis of tradition and functional art, making it an ideal vessel for luxurious moments or a deeply meaningful gift.
This Japanese "Magewappa" Sake Set is an experience. It is a direct connection to the forests of Akita and the soul of a master craftsman. By bringing this set into your home, you are choosing to honor a timeless tradition and elevate the simple act of drinking sake into an art form. We invite you to hold this piece of Japanese heritage in your hands, share it with those you cherish, and create moments of beauty that will last a lifetime.
