Introduction

Over the past 440 years since its foundation, 'SHIRAYUKI,' or Konishi Brewing, has been deeply involved in the cultural development of Japan through 'sake' brewing. Also, we have had great interest in arts and crafts from all periods that symbolize the Japanese culture.

Thus, we have begun a series of programs to present our finest 'sake' with superb articles, reproductions of sophisticated arts from all periods and places, entitled 'Art Gallery.'

The 'Art Gallery' was successfully initiated with several fine articles which received very favorable responses from our customers. On this page, we would like to present these articles to you.

As a pioneer in 'sake' brewing and a supporter of the tradition of 'sake,' SHIRAYUKI will continue to deepen our knowledge of arts and crafts, and contribute to its prosperity. Please enjoy viewing the excellent craftsmanship that represents the traditions of Japanese culture.

• Hakkaku Iwai-daru with Wajima-nuri Ocho-Kusabana-Makie
  (an octagonal celebratory keg with dynasty lacquer made in the Wajima-nuri style)

• Shikkohei with Wajima-nuri Ocho Kusabana Makie
  (a vessel with lacquer of dynastic flowers made through Wajima-nuri arts)

• Shuki Kotobuki-dana with Wajima-nuri Taru Kaisen Makie
  (a lacquered cabinet with 'sake' cups and bottles with the image of a 'sake' barrel barge made in the Wajima-nuri style)

• Ocho Kaioke Shuki-zoroi with Wajima-nuri Kin-gin Ichimatsu Kodaiji Makie
  (a tableware set for 'sake' in shell pails with dynastic 'Kodaiji Temple' makie with a gold-silver plaid pattern made in the Wajima-nuri style)

• Hanami Sageju with Wajima-nuri Kodai Makie
  (a portable box for cherry-blossom parties with ancient makie made in the Wajima-nuri style)

The origin of the keg traces back to the 'Edo era' (1588-1895). 'Sake' in a square keg was usually presented as a wedding gift. The square shape represented congratulatory messages of senders.

With the square barrel in the Edo era as a model, 'Wajima-nuri Ocho Kusabana Makie Hakkaku Iwai-daru' is shaped in an octagonal which has been a good omen since ancient times. The lacquer on the keg is called 'Ocho Makie (dynasty lacquer)' showing the elegant dynastic culture during the 'Heian era' (9th-13th century). Wajima-nuri, a traditional art of Japan, has perfectly and grandly reproduced images of a man and a woman from the Heian aristocracy.

The magnificent tone of this keg is well suited for wedding banquets or other occasions to entertain important guests.

During the 'Nara era' (the 8th century), many arts and crafts of the west were imported into Japan via the Silk Road. Those articles were also affected by the Chinese culture of that time. Thus, they represented an excellent fusion of the western and eastern cultures.
One of such treasures is a 'Shikkohei' now preserved at Shoso-in in Nara. It is a vessel in a shape that was imported from abroad. It truly reminds us of the gallant days of the dynastic culture.

As shown, this vessel's spout is patterned after a bird's bill. The shape is said to have been imported from Persia. It was shaped by winding thin stripes of bamboo or wood, and then lacquered many times and finished with silver-work.
With the traditional arts of Wajima-nuri, the figure and shape of 'Shikkohei' is beautifully reproduced.

This small black-lacquered cabinet with two shelves demonstrates the magnificence of the Japanese culture. Cups and a bottle in the cabinet create the beauty of harmony.
The cabinet is made of fine zelkova and Magnolia hypoleuca that was kept many years after logging. It has gone through more than 124 cycles of coating and has received luxurious decorations.
The 'sake' bottle to be stored on the lower shelf is gourd-shaped. It is the work of Soshu, a craftsman of Kutani pottery, entitled 'Aoji Shomon-no Zu (blue-based pattern of pine trees). ' On the front panel of the cabinet, a 'sake' barrel barge embarking for the ocean with Mt. Fuji in the background is depicted indicating good luck for years to come.

The upper shelf is removable for use as a table for bottles and cups, or as a stand for a flower vase. Please entertain your important guests with this fine cabinet.

Many centuries ago when the dynastic culture was in prosperity, a pair of buckets containing a 'shell game' was considered to be one of the most essential household items for a new marriage. (The 'shell game' was popular during the 'Heian era. ' The idea of the game is to match sides of a shell. ) Each bucket contains one half of a shell, thus symbolizing the faithfulness to the husband.
This elegant 'Ocho Kaioke Shuki-zoroi' is a copy of the pair of pails from the old days. It includes a pair of octagonal pails, and 'sake' cups made in the Wajima-nuri style, and two Kutani pottery 'sake' bottles.
'Hakkaku Kaioke,' the octagonal shell pail, is decorated in 'Kodaiji Temple' makie, finely depicting chrysanthemums and paulownias on a pattern of gold-silver plaid. The cups have makie depicting a gentleman and a lady from the Tale of Genji. The 'sake' bottles are works of Kutani pottery using five colored pigments; green, yellow, purple, navy and red. A pair of phoenixes and paulownias are beautifully depicted.

This set is good for entertaining your important guests. With the basic idea of faithfulness, this can also be used when celebrating marriages or silver and gold anniversaries.

Early in the 'Edo era,' a portable box was originated for use by feudal lords and aristocrats when they went to cherry-blossom viewing parties, boating or picnics. It was an ensemble of a lunch box, 'sake' bottle, cups, dishes and a tray. While it was very functional, it was also very artistic. To enliven picnics of these noblemen, it was embellished with the typical arts and crafts of 'Edo' including nuri (coating), makie (lacquer) and sashimono (joinery work).
This 'Hanami Sageju' contains a lunch box, a lacquered 'sake' bottle based on ceramics, vermilion-lacquered cups, dishes and a tray. They are octagonally shaped, a happy sign since ancient times, and decorated with ancient makie of peonies and a phoenix.

Today, it is good for household use at New Year's or for other celebrations. With its refinement and beauty, it is also good to use when you entertain important guests.