酒器(しゅき)

A general term for vessels used to serve and drink sake. Japanese sake culture places great importance on the aesthetic and material qualities of drinking vessels, and choosing the right 酒器(しゅき) is considered part of the sake-drinking experience.

Types

• 徳利(とっくり) — sake carafe/flask (for warming and pouring)
• 猪口(ちょこ) / お猪口(ちょこ) — small sake cup
• 杯(さかずき) — flat ceremonial sake cup
• 枡(ます) — square wooden sake cup
• 片口(かたくち) — single-spouted pouring vessel

Common collocations

• 酒器(しゅき)セット — sake set (flask and cups together)
• 陶器(とうき)の酒器(しゅき) — ceramic sake vessel
• 錫(すず)の酒器(しゅき) — tin/pewter sake vessel
• 酒器(しゅき)選(えら)び — choosing a sake vessel

Cultural note

Traditional etiquette calls for pouring sake for others rather than for oneself (お酌(しゃく)). The shape, material, and size of the vessel affect how sake is experienced — wide-mouthed cups release more aroma, while narrow ones concentrate it.