Odate Magewappa Cedar Ring Cup

At a glance

• Thin Akita cedar is steamed, bent into shape and fastened with cherry bark, without glue or nails
• Exceptionally light at around 30g, with cedar staying comfortable around hot and cold drinks
• Gently tapered form stacks neatly, while the coloured ring gives the fingers a natural point of grip

This cup begins as a thin strip of Akita cedar.

The wood is steamed until pliable, bent into its circular form and fastened with sakura-kawa, cherry bark, rather than glue or nails. The join is a small detail, but one that makes the construction of Odate Magewappa immediately worth looking at more closely.

Pick it up and the next difference is weight. At around 30g, the cup feels remarkably light compared with ceramic or glass, or even some of the typical European wooden drinkware. Cedar also transfers heat slowly, helping a warm drink remain comfortable to hold and taking away some of the cold feel of an iced drink.

Kurikyu gives the traditional bentwood form a gently tapered profile so the cups can nest together when stored. A coloured ring wraps the upper body, adding contrast to the straight cedar grain while giving the fingers a natural place to grip.

Available in six ring colours, it works easily for tea, coffee, water or cold drinks, whether you choose one favourite or mix several around the table.