Japanese retro-shape fine porcelain teacup

A very fine teacup with a slightly flared retro shape, available in two designs.

Blue flowers: open flowers, buds and indigo blue foliage cover the whole outside. The decoration returns inside, as a frieze of scrolls under the rim.

Fans: round fans overlap, each with its own traditional pattern, black on white or white on black. The fan is a lucky symbol in Japan: as it opens, it evokes a widening future.

The porcelain is very fine: the thin wall makes the cup light in the hand and brings out the delicacy of the decoration. Like Japanese teacups, it has no handle and is held in both hands.

It is wheel-thrown and finished by hand in a family workshop near Toki, where three generations of ceramists have followed one another since the early 20th century.

For green tea, sencha or herbal tea. Made in Japan.

Highlights

• Very fine porcelain: a light cup with a thin wall.
• Two designs: indigo blue flowers or black and white fans.
• Retro shape: slightly flared, no handle.
• Family workshop: three generations of ceramists near Toki.
• A gift idea: on its own or as a mismatched pair.

Product information

• Type: teacup without handle
• Material: porcelain
• Origin: made in Japan (Toki-Tajimi region, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ceramics)
• Dimensions: Ø 8.3 cm, height 6.9 cm
• Shape: retro, slightly flared, no handle
• Design of your choice: indigo blue flowers and foliage, or black and white round fans
• Finish: glazed
• Presentation: sold individually
• Style: traditional Japanese

How to use

Pour a freshly brewed sencha and hold the cup in both hands, by the base and the rim. Take both designs for a mismatched pair.

As for care, this porcelain cup is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Frequently asked questions

Why does it have no handle?

In Japan, green tea is traditionally drunk from cups without handles, held in both hands.

What does the fan symbolise in Japan?

It brings good luck: as it opens, it evokes a widening future.