夜、ふと目が覚めて、水がほしくなる。そんなとき、枕元にそっと置かれた冠水瓶があれば、台所まで行かなくてすみます。冠水瓶は、水差しの上にコップを伏せてかぶせた、日本の寝室で長く愛されてきた道具です。コップがふたの役割を果たすので、ほこりが入らず、注いですぐに飲める。ひとつで完結する、静かな知恵のかたちです。こちらのコーナーには、さまざまな冠水瓶を揃えています。赤や深い紫の色ガラスに花の文様を刻んだ切子。表面に細かなひびの景色が浮かぶ貫入ガラス。金彩で梅を描いたもの。すっきりとした無色透明のものもございます。寝室だけでなく、客間のもてなしや、晩酌の傍らに冷酒用として使う方もいらっしゃいます。店員にお声掛けいただき、手に取って、ガラスの厚みや光の入り方を、ぜひお確かめください。
In Japanese homes, there has long been a custom of keeping water at the bedside — so that if you wake in the night, a drink is within arm’s reach.
This corner is dedicated to the tool made for that purpose: the kansuibin, a bedside water carafe. Look closely at its shape. A drinking glass sits upside down on top of the carafe, serving as its lid. The water stays clean, and the cup is always ready. Two pieces, one quiet idea — a small piece of everyday Japanese wisdom.
The designs here are wonderfully varied. Some are kiriko — traditional Japanese cut glass, where patterns of flowers and leaves are carved through a layer of deep red or purple. Others feature plum blossoms painted in gold, or a delicate crackle texture that catches the light like thin ice.
A kansuibin works beautifully on a bedside table, but also as a serving set for guests, or even for chilled sake.