| The Japanese are well known for their | | | | more expensive sets) by skilled artisans that have |
| appreciation of aesthetics and the pursuit of | | | | studied and mastered the art of writing in this |
| perfection and harmony. It can be seen in | | | | style. It is a style of writing that, if understood, |
| everything from the way they do business to the | | | | can capture an entire idea or emotion with one |
| way they relax and have fun. Much like the | | | | single character. Kanji is much more than a |
| traditional tea sets, sake sets are an extension of | | | | method of writing, it is a form of art with a |
| this harmonious nature and for many sake lovers | | | | centuries long tradition. |
| are the only way to enjoy a round with a few | | | | While any material capable of holding liquid can be |
| close friends. | | | | used to create these sets, they are most often |
| A sake set is normally comprised of a few simple | | | | made from either glass or ceramic. These |
| pieces, a pitcher and a few small cups. However, | | | | materials are not only easy to shape and |
| these small and simple pieces allow for a great | | | | decorate, but they are also the best materials to |
| deal of creativity when it comes to their design | | | | store sake because they do not alter the taste |
| and decoration. Variations in the materials used, | | | | of the beverage, unlike many plastic or wooden |
| the chosen shapes, color, and intricacy of design | | | | containers. And like a fine wine, gourmet sake |
| can all be employed to create truly one-of-a-kind | | | | should be protected from any outside flavor |
| sets. They can vary from the very simple and | | | | influence. |
| elegant to the highly decorated, but in most | | | | The average sake sets can usually be purchased |
| cases, the pieces are designed to create an | | | | for less than 40-50 dollars, and many are |
| overall sense of harmony and oneness. | | | | considerably less than that. However, there are |
| Japanese sake sets are often decorated with | | | | plenty of examples of sets that can sell for many |
| Kanji, or Japanese language characters. These | | | | hundreds of dollars, depending on the materials |
| characters are often hand-painted (usually on the | | | | used and the degree of craftsmanship. |