This is a tokkuri (sake decanter) made at the family pottery business of Hiroshi Otsu, in the town of Kasama.

With a tradition dating back several centuries to when farmers converted themselves into potters to supply the needs for utensils in the expanding city of Tokyo to the south - Kasama remains home to a lively ceramics scene.

Hiroshi Otsu is both head of the pottery union in Kasama, and head of his family’s ceramics works: Otsu Koyo.

At the centre of his work is the skill of the craftsperson. While there is talk of designers, and adapting to new consumer trends, working by hand, and with quality are non-negotiable in Otsu’s world.

This piece is finished in the crimson peach glaze colour that Hiroshi Otsu spent many years perfecting.  Traditionally of course it is used to serve sake, either hot or cold.

But it can be a decanter for other purposes, or even hold single stem flowers if so desired.

It is 14cm high, and 8cm wide.  The diameter of the upper opening is 5cm.  It weighs 310g.