Sakazuki and Tokkuri

Tokkuri, a ceramic bottle used for heating and serving sake (Japanese rice wine), and matching sakazuki (also called ochoko), a cup for drinking sake, were started to be produced in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture in the Kamakura period (1192-1333). Bizen ware is known for its rustic simplicity and refined elegance and has retained its popularity down through the ages. Strong and heavy, it is beautiful as well, with its full earth tones, unglazed textured surface, and natural markings left where flames licked the surface during firing. Offering and exchanging drinks from sakazuki is an old Japanese custom that recognized friendship among equals or conferment of honor on those of lower social or official rank.

"Sakazuki wo kawasu (to exchange cups)" means to drink alcohol together. In Japanese business, it is still very common to drink alcohol as an extension of business. If you say "Sakazuki wo kawashimasho! (Let's drink together next time!)" to a client, you can surely impress and make a great impact on your client.