Madoromu 4-Cup Set Four Seasons Sake Cups

What is the Madoromu 4-Cup Set?
The Madoromu (まどろむ) 4-Cup Set is Japan's four seasons in sake-cup form — Sakura for spring, Ajisai for summer, Fall Leaves for autumn, and Yuki Tsubaki for winter. Each cup is copper coated with tin, 5oz (150ml), with a design that turns to vivid color when you pour something cold into it, below 16°C.

Together the four make a set you use through the year, reaching for the season's cup — cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangea in summer, maple leaves in autumn, snow camellia in winter. Pour a chilled sake and the pattern blooms as you drink. The tin coating is long believed to smooth the character of sake, and the complete set makes a gift for a sake lover or anyone who appreciates Japanese craftsmanship.

Specifications

How to use

Pour a cold drink to bring out the color — chilled sake, or any cold beverage below 16°C, and the season's pattern turns vivid. Warm or room-temperature liquids leave it muted, so the cups are made for cold pours. As metal cups they carry the chill well and keep a drink cold in the hand. Set out the matching season, or use all four for a gathering.

Uses — chilled sake, cold beverages, omakase and dinner settings, and seasonal gifting.