G7 Short Cup Handcrafted Japanese Sake Cup with Urushi Lacquer
A rare piece of traditional Japanese Urushi lacquer sake cup the drinkware inspired by official gifts presented to world leaders at the G7 Summit.
Some cups simply hold sake. The G7 Short Cup from OCHIYA Official Store holds something more of a story of centuries-old craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and the quiet elegance that Japan is known for around the world.
If you’ve been searching for an authentic handmade Japanese sake cup that feels both refined and meaningful, this is a piece to treasure.
Crafted from Japanese horse chestnut wood, each cup is carefully finished using traditional lacquer techniques, combining timeless artistry with modern simplicity.
Details
- Size: 5.2 cm diameter × 5 cm height
- Weight: 24 g
- Material: Japanese horse chestnut wood
- Techniques: Floral lacquer painting, wiped lacquer finish
- Price: 6,300 yen(with Tax 6,930yen)
The collection includes three variations:
- Black lacquer with gold detailing
- Black lacquer with gold detailing
- Vermilion lacquer with gold detailing
- Natural wiped lacquer finish that reveals the delicate beauty of the wood grain
Designed with clean lines and understated patterns, each cup reflects the quiet sophistication and balance found in Japanese craftsmanship.
The G7 Connection: A Sake Cup Chosen for World Leaders
In 2016, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe presented Ochiya lacquerware sake cups to G7 leaders at the Ise-Shima Summit as official gifts for world leaders at the Ise-Shima G7 Summit A pair of sake-cup of Hidehira (Lacquerware in Iwate Prefecture, Ochiya Co., Ltd), he wasn’t just offering a souvenir. He was saying: this is what Japan is capable of.
The G7 Short Cup carries that same spirit. Inspired by that tradition of excellence, each cup is crafted to the same standard of elegance, precision, and cultural depth that made Iwate Ochiya lacquerware worthy of the world stage.
Traditional Urushi Lacquer Techniques — What Makes It Special
The G7 Short Cup isn’t mass-produced. Every piece is handcrafted by skilled Japanese artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Two methods define its character:
Hana-nuri
The final lacquer coat is applied entirely by brush, creating a smooth, mirror-like finish with extraordinary depth. This rare technique produces the cup’s signature glossy black and vermilion surfaces.
Fuki-urushi
Lacquer is repeatedly wiped into the natural wood grain to reveal the wood’s organic texture and rich beauty a meditative process that results in a finish that feels warm and alive to the touch.
Gold leaf application
Finely cut gold leaf is applied by hand, adding subtle luminosity and luxurious detail that catches the light differently depending on the angle.
The result is a handmade sake cup that rewards close attention. The more you use it, the more you notice.
Designed for Premium Japanese Sake
The G7 Short Cup isn’t only beautiful — its shape is carefully considered for drinking. The gently curved rim creates a smooth sensation on the lips, allowing the delicate aromas and flavors of premium sake to unfold naturally with every sip.
It pairs exceptionally well with:
Junmai
Daiginjo
Doburoku
Whisky
Nigori (cloudy sake)
The deep black and vermilion lacquer also enhances the visual experience of the drink itself — the color and clarity of good sake appears richer when viewed against a dark lacquered interior. Every pour becomes a small ceremony.
The Perfect Luxury Japanese Gift
Looking for a unique Japanese gift that goes beyond the typical souvenir? The G7 Short Cup is a meaningful choice for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and culture.
Sake lovers & enthusiasts
Japanese culture collectors
Wedding & anniversary gifts
Luxury home décor
Special celebrations
Artisan craft collectors
Because each piece is handcrafted and unique, it carries emotional value that factory-made tableware simply cannot replicate. You’re not giving a cup you’re giving a piece of Japanese heritage.
Care Guide for Urushi Lacquerware
To protect the beauty of your G7 Short Cup and maintain its mirror-like lacquer finish:
- Hand wash only with mild soap and warm water — never use a dishwasher.
- Dry gently with a soft cloth after each use. Avoid prolonged soaking.
- Store away from direct sunlight, which can fade natural lacquer over time.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes — do not use them in a microwave or freezer.
- Handle with care lacquerware develops a deeper patina and beauty with gentle, consistent use.
Properly cared for, a quality urushi lacquer sake cup can last for generations.
Get One of Your Tochigi G7 Sake Cups Here
(ONE )Tochigi sake cup (black/vermilion/wood grain)
6,300 yen (6,930 yen including tax)
Size: Diameter 5.2cm x Height 5cm
Weight: 24g
Wood: Horse Chestnut
Technique: Flower painting, wipe-on lacquer
We offer three types of sake cups made from horse chestnut wood: one painted black and vermilion, and another finished
with a wipe-on lacquer that highlights the wood’s natural grain. The shapes and patterns are all kept simple.
Enjoy a peaceful moment with your sake in this sake cup.
Size: 5.2 cm diameter× 5 cm height
Weight: 24 g
Wood: Japanese horse chestnut
Technique: Floral lacquer painting, wiped lacquer
Set of 2 Tochigi sake cups (black/vermilion/wood grain)
12,600 yen (13,860 yen including tax)
Size: Diameter 5.2cm x Height 5cm
Weight: 24g
Wood: Horse Chestnut
Technique: Flower painting, wipe-on lacquer
We offer three types of sake cups made from horse chestnut wood: one painted black and vermilion, and another finished
with a wipe-on lacquer that highlights the wood’s natural grain. The shapes and patterns are all kept simple.
Enjoy a peaceful moment with your sake in this sake cup.Size: 5.2 cm diameter × 5 cm height
Weight: 24 g
Wood: Japanese horse chestnut
Technique: Floral lacquer painting, wiped lacquer
Set of 3 Tochigi sake cups
18,900 yen (20,790 yen including tax)
Size: Diameter 5.2cm x Height 5cm
Weight: 24g
Wood: Horse Chestnut
Technique: Flower painting, wipe-on lacquer
We offer three types of sake cups made from horse chestnut wood: one painted black and vermilion, and another finished
with a wipe-on lacquer that highlights the wood’s natural grain. The shapes and patterns are all kept simple.
Enjoy a peaceful moment with your sake in this sake cup.Size: 5.2 cm diameter × 5 cm height
Weight: 24 g
Wood: Japanese horse chestnut
Technique: Floral lacquer painting, wiped lacquer
投稿者プロフィール
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昭和53年6月17日生まれ
岩手県平泉町にて伝統工芸「秀衡塗」の製造販売。
天皇皇后両陛下の御用食器一式や皇太子殿下献上品、伊勢志摩サミットG7各国首脳の贈呈品に採用、国内外のデザイナーとの創作品も手掛けグッドデザイン賞も獲得するなど高い評価を受けている。
