Enuma cup Zelkova

At a glance

- Yamanaka Shikki (山中漆器), Ishikawa Prefecture, METI-designated traditional craft
- Turned from keyaki (欅, zelkova); striking wavy grain, golden-brown tone
- 8cm wide, 8.8cm tall; walls turned to 1 to 2mm; for tea, coffee or cold drinks

Zelkova has a grain that earns attention. Not the quiet warmth of cedar or cherry, but something more dramatic: wavy lines in golden-brown that shift in the light as you turn the cup in your hands. Japanese temple architecture and fine furniture makers have prized keyaki (欅) for centuries for exactly this quality.

Shirasagi Mokkogei (白鷺木工) is a third-generation workshop in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, specialising in Yamanaka Shikki (山中漆器), a METI-designated lathe-turning tradition with over 400 years of history in the mountain forests of Ishikawa. Each piece is turned until the walls reach just 1 to 2 millimetres, a process requiring exceptional steadiness and judgement. The Enuma cup in zelkova is turned until the walls reach just 1 to 2 millimetres, giving it an almost implausible lightness for something that looks so substantial. A softly curved profile and smooth lip make it comfortable for tea, coffee, or cold drinks. The finish is applied to bring out the grain rather than obscure it; the colour and pattern will deepen with use over time.

Consider the Shirasagi bundle set for a full collection.

* Because no two pieces of wood are the same in nature, every cup truely has its unique pattern and colour. The final cup for your order will be selected at random and these photos are for reference only.