Japanese mug, blue rosettes

A straight mug covered with a network of blue rosettes of great regularity.

The decoration covers the whole outside without a break. Up close, you see overlapping circles: at each intersection a small white four-petalled flower appears, dotted with blue. From a distance, the whole forms a tight, almost textile weave that catches the light.

This pattern is shippo, or shippo-tsunagi: circles linked endlessly. Its name refers to the "seven treasures" of Buddhism, and the endless chain of circles is associated with harmony and prosperity. It has long been used on kimonos, fabrics and Japanese tableware.

The shape is straight and clean, with a round handle that is easy to hold. The rim and the edge of the handle are lined in brown, the inside is white, and the foot is left as unglazed brown clay, like a small pedestal beneath the decoration.

Shaped in a mould, it is then finished by hand; the decoration is applied with transfer paper. The joins in the pattern can therefore vary slightly from one piece to another.

A graphic, easy-going mug for coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Made in Japan, in the Mino region.

Highlights

• Shippo pattern: interlocking circles, a symbol of harmony and prosperity.
• Graphic effect: a regular weave, both traditional and very contemporary.
• Straight shape: a simple, stable silhouette with a nicely rounded handle.
• Brown clay foot: the unglazed base warms up the blue and white.
• Careful finish: brown line on the rim and handle.

Product information

• Type: mug with handle
• Material: ceramic
• Origin: made in Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 7.8 cm, height 8.7 cm
• Shape: straight, unglazed foot
• Colours: indigo blue and white, white inside, brown foot
• Pattern: shippo (interlocking circles)
• Finish: glazed, brown line on the rim and handle
• Presentation: sold individually
• Style: traditional Japanese, graphic

How to use

It goes as well with a filter coffee as with brewed tea or a hot drink at the end of the day. Its straight shape makes it easy to store and stack in a cupboard.

As for care, hand washing is best: the dishwasher is not recommended to keep the decoration intact. The microwave is fine.

Frequently asked questions

What does the shippo pattern represent?

Circles that overlap endlessly. The name refers to the seven treasures of Buddhism, and the pattern is associated with harmony and prosperity.

Can it be paired with other mugs?

Yes. Sold individually, it goes well with the other blue and white mugs with a brown foot in the collection, for a matching yet varied set.