【12-Piece Flat Cup Set】Cooling Sensation | Japanese Traditional | Mino Ware

Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set (12-Piece Set)

This 12-piece set of flat cups features vibrant patterns that appear when cold beverages below 17°C are poured into them.

The techniques of Mino-Yaki, Japan's proud traditional craft, anda playful masterpiece featuring special ink that changes color with temperature.

Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer fireworks, autumn foliage, winter snowscapes... The seasonal landscapes unfolding within the sake cup resemble miniature works of art. They captivate the beholder and bring peace to the heart.

It transforms the time spent enjoying alcohol into something richer and more special.

This set, presented in an elegant white pinewood box, makes an ideal gift for someone special or a memorable souvenir for international guests. It creates a special moment, delivering surprise and delight.

Product Specifications

trade (brand) name	【12-Piece Flat Cup Set】Cooling Sensation | Japanese Traditional | Mino Ware
Material	porcelain
Size	Diameter: 9 cm, Height: 3.4 cm
Weight	90g (per piece)
capacity	70ml
Place of production	Gifu-Ken

Important Notes

• Microwave ovens, dishwashers, ovens, direct flame, and IH cooktops cannot be used.

What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set? Explaining the Characteristics of Mino-Yaki

Mino Yaki, a traditional Japanese craft, accounts for over half of the nation's ceramic production. This time, we explore the appeal of Mino Yaki's flat cups, born from the fusion of traditional and cutting-edge techniques, while answering the question: What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set brought to you by Japan's premier Mino Yaki?
Is Mino Yaki pottery or porcelain? From such fundamental questions to simple queries like “Why is Mino Yaki so affordable?”, we'll also address your concerns about care and maintenance—such as what happens when you put porcelain in the microwave, whether Mino Yaki is dishwasher-safe, and whether Mino Yaki requires glaze sealing. What happens if you don't seal it?
What You Need to Know to Enjoy Your Mino Yaki Flat Cup for Years: How to Use Mino Yaki for the First Time Care Methods for Longer Use Handling Precautions for Pottery vs. Porcelain Sealing Process and Its Effects Essential Care for Earthenware Pots and Flat Cups What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set? Its Appeal and Tips for Long-Term Use Plus, User Reviews and Feedback

Reading this article will help you resolve the following questions.

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What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set, brought to you by Japan's finest Mino-Yaki?

• What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set, brought to you by Japan's finest Mino-Yaki?
• Is Mino-Yaki Pottery or Porcelain? Explaining Its Characteristics
• Why is Mino-Yaki inexpensive?
• What happens if you put porcelain in the micro-Yaki?
• Can Mino-Yaki be washed in a dishwasher?
• Does Mino ware require glaze sealing? What happens if it isn't sealed?

What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set, brought to you by Japan's finest Mino-Yaki?

Mino Yaki is a traditional ceramic with over 1300 years of history in the Tōnō region of Gifu Prefecture. It is counted among Japan's three major ceramics, alongside Seto ware and Arita ware (Imari ware). The Cool Sensation Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set is a sake vessel created by blending this Mino Yaki tradition with the latest technology. When sake is poured into it, the vessel's temperature drops, causing the patterns to vividly color. For example, pouring chilled sake makes patterns of cherry blossoms, fireworks, autumn leaves, and snow crystals appear, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Japan's four seasons. These designs are meticulously hand-painted by artisans. They begin to show faint coloration near 17°C (63°F), becoming more vivid the colder the temperature. Furthermore, as the colors gradually shift, they also reflect the hue of the sake, offering a visual delight. Once emptied, the cup slowly returns to its original color, allowing you to pour more sake and enjoy the transformation anew.

Is Mino-Yaki Pottery or Porcelain? Explaining Its Characteristics

Mino ware is produced as both pottery and porcelain, so it's difficult to generalize and say which one it is. Pottery is made primarily from clay, and is characterized by its coarse grains and high water absorption. This gives it a warm texture. On the other hand, porcelain is made primarily from stone powder called kaolin, and is fired at high temperatures, resulting in fine grains and almost no water absorption. It is characterized by a smooth and silky texture and is more durable than pottery. Mino ware has flexibly incorporated these two properties to create a variety of vessels that suit the times. For this reason, it's important to check the product description to find out which material the Mino ware you've purchased is made of. Another way to tell the difference is to look at the base (foot) of the vessel; if it's rough, it's pottery, and if it's smooth, it's porcelain.

Why is Mino-Yaki inexpensive?

The primary reason Mino Yaki is relatively affordable lies in its high production volume. Mino Yaki accounts for over 50% of Japan's domestic ceramic production, boasting the nation's largest output. This mass production capability allows for lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, Mino Yaki has a history of actively adopting new technologies, establishing an efficient production system. While rooted in the four traditional styles—Kiseito, Setoguro, Shino, and Oribe—it also produces vessels in various colors, shapes, and patterns, offering a wide range of products suitable for everyday use.

What happens if you put porcelain in the micro-Yaki?

Porcelain is relatively safe for microwave use. This is because porcelain absorbs very little moisture, making it less prone to sudden expansion from heating. However, there are several points to note. First, porcelain with metallic decorations like gold or silver trim may react with microwave radiation, potentially causing sparks. This can not only damage the dish but also lead to microwave malfunction or fire. Additionally, prolonged heating can make the dish extremely hot, so caution is needed to avoid burns when removing it. While many porcelain items are microwave-safe, attention should be paid to the presence of decorations and proper handling.

Can Mino-Yaki be washed in a dishwasher?

Whether Mino Yaki can be washed in a dishwasher depends on whether the item is earthenware or porcelain, and what kind of decoration it has. Generally, hard porcelain with low water absorption is often dishwasher-safe. Additionally, a common precaution for all Mino Yaki products is that items decorated with gold, silver, or overglaze painting may have their decorations peel off or discolor due to dishwasher detergent or strong water flow. Therefore, hand washing is recommended for valuable pieces or those with delicate decorations. The most reliable method is to check for a “dishwasher safe” label when purchasing.

Does Mino ware require glaze sealing? What happens if it isn't sealed?

Among Mino Yaki, ceramic products in particular require glaze sealing. Glaze sealing refers to the process of filling the invisible microscopic pores on the surface of the vessel using rice washing water or the starch from wheat flour. Additionally, sealing helps prevent cracks and breakage, extending the vessel's lifespan. On the other hand, non-porous porcelain does not require this sealing process.

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Things to Know for Long-Term Enjoyment of Your Mino-Yaki Flat Cup

• What should I do when using Mino-Yaki for the first time?
• Care Instructions for Longer Use of Mino-Yaki
• Handling Precautions for Pottery and Porcelain
• Procedure and Effects of Sealing
• Must-Know Care Tips for Clay Pots and Flat-Bottomed Sake Cups
• What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set? Its Appeal and Tips for Long-Term Use

What should I do when using Mino-Yaki for the first time?

When using for the first time, it is important to confirm whether the material is earthenware or porcelain. For earthenware, as mentioned earlier, sealing the pores is recommended. The specific method for sealing the pores is as follows: Place enough rice washing water in a pot to fully submerge the vessel, bring it to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, turn off the heat and leave the vessel to cool completely. Rinse it with water and allow it to air dry to complete the process. This extra step allows the sticky rice water to fill the vessel's pores, preventing food from staining it. For porcelain, no special treatment is needed. Simply wash off any surface dirt with dish soap before use.

Care Instructions for Longer Use of Mino-Yaki

To ensure long-lasting use, proper care after each use is essential. First, avoid leaving items dirty for extended periods after use; washing them immediately is crucial to prevent stains and mold growth. After washing, thoroughly wipe away moisture and allow items to dry completely before storing. Especially with ceramic items, their high absorbency means insufficient drying can cause mold growth. Finally, dipping them in boiling water can speed up the drying process. Also, avoid using hard metal scouring pads or abrasive sponges; instead, gently wash with a soft sponge.

Handling Precautions for Pottery and Porcelain

Ceramics and porcelain have different characteristics, so they require different handling methods. Pottery is vulnerable to sudden temperature changes. For example, placing hot items directly into it after removing it from the refrigerator can cause cracking. Porcelain is non-porous and durable, but if it features decorations like gold or silver accents, using it in the microwave or dishwasher may cause the decoration to peel off. Additionally, regardless of the material, it's important to avoid dragging the bottom of the vessel across the table, as this can scratch the surface.

Procedure and Effects of Sealing

The glazing process begins by thoroughly washing the pottery with water and placing it in a pot. Next, pour in rice washing water until the pottery is completely submerged. If rice washing water is unavailable, you can substitute it with water mixed with 1 to 2 tablespoons of wheat flour or potato starch. Then, bring it to a boil over low heat and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. After turning off the heat, leave it in the liquid until it cools completely. Finally, remove the pottery, rinse it with water, and dry it thoroughly to complete the process. This treatment fills the porous gaps in the pottery with starch, making it less prone to absorbing stains and odors. It also helps prolong the pottery's lifespan.

Must-Know Care Tips for Clay Pots and Flat-Bottomed Sake Cups

Clay pots and flat cups also require care tailored to the characteristics of ceramics. After use, allow them to cool completely before gently washing with water and drying thoroughly. For items like the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set, avoid subjecting the patterned areas to strong friction or prolonged direct sunlight, as this can cause the dye to peel or fade.

What is the Cool-to-the-Touch Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set? Its Appeal and Tips for Long-Term Use

The Cooling Sensation Japanese Four Seasons Flat Cup Set is a sake vessel that blends the tradition of Mino Yaki with cutting-edge technology that changes color in response to cold temperatures. When cold sake is poured, designs of cherry blossoms, fireworks, autumn leaves, and snowflakes emerge, allowing you to experience the seasons visually—its greatest appeal. Perfect for home use, the luxurious set presented in a gold gift box also makes an ideal present or souvenir for international guests. To ensure long-lasting enjoyment of these flat cups, please note the following care points.

• Wash gently to avoid rubbing the design too hard.
• Do not use metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners.
• Do not use in microwave ovens or conventional ovens.
• This dye is sensitive to ultraviolet light, so avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Chilling the design area before use will make the colors appear more vivid.
• Due to the nature of ceramic products, individual variations may occur as a result of manual production.
• Applying a primer coat will result in more vivid color reproduction.
• The wide mouth allows the aroma of the liquor to rise easily.
• The gentle angle allows you to best appreciate the aroma and flavor.
• While maintaining a traditional form, it features a modern design that fits seamlessly into contemporary living.
• Enjoyable whether served warm or chilled
• Comes in a gift box, making it perfect for gift-giving.
• Each cup holds a generous 40ml capacity.
• The level capacity is 70cc.
• While being ceramic, some products are microwave and dishwasher safe.