Cheek Armor Cup, Skull Form, Gold & Bronze

Among Koga's works, the highly popular Hoyoroi-hai (Cheek-Armor Cup) series takes the kawari-kabuto (eccentric helmet) of Sengoku warlords as its motif, expressing the way of life and spirit of these men.

"The present age is truly one of gekokujo," says Koga.
As social media developed and everyone came to hold a voice, an era emerged in which one's own will to aim high and courage to speak up mattered more than one's origin or hometown. Within this worldview, {Hoyoroi Sakazuki} takes the kawari-kabuto (distinctive helmets) of Warring States warlords as its motif, expressing the human way of life and spirit — an encouragement for today's high-minded warriors living in the present.

This cup was made with Nobunaga in mind. Known for his powerful charisma, Nobunaga was also a figure who, in the name of unifying the realm, showed ruthlessness and took many lives. With numerous tales likening him to a reaper of death, the skull form here stands as an object of awe.

Note also the unique color expression achieved through porcelain glaze, uniting gold and bronze — materials that would otherwise never mix.