sake or espresso cup by Koga Kenji

Karatsu-yaki for sake or espresso cup by Koga Kenji

This cup shows off Karatsu’s wild side — a dark, earthy clay body with a rugged surface and natural ash-glaze pooling over the form. The walls are slightly irregular, giving it that hand-shaped character you can actually feel.

The glaze fires into rich tones of brown, charcoal, and touches of metallic sheen, fading down into raw clay at the foot. It’s the kind of piece that looks like it came straight out of the kiln—with the fire deciding the final brushstrokes.

Perfect for a small pour of sake or a bold espresso, this cup brings warmth, texture, and a little wabi-sabi attitude to everyday rituals.