Kutani (九谷焼) korin ume tea cup

At a glance

- Kutani-yaki (九谷焼), Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, METI-designated traditional craft
- Korin Ume (光琳梅) motif; stylised plum blossom pattern inspired by Ogata Korin
- 8.3cm wide, 10.5cm tall; suits sencha, hojicha, sake or daily tea

The Korin Ume (光琳梅) pattern takes its name from Ogata Korin (1658-1716), the Rinpa school artist whose stylised plum blossom compositions became one of the most recognised motifs in Japanese decorative art. The flowing branches and rounded petals here carry that lineage, rendered in Kutani's characteristic bold overglaze enamels with touches of gold against white porcelain.

Kutani-yaki (九谷焼) was first produced in the city of Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the mid-17th century and is designated by Japan's Ministry of Economy as a traditional craft. It is known above all for its vivid overglaze enamel colours and bold, pictorial surfaces that make each piece feel like a small painting. The yunomi (湯のみ) form is slightly taller than most tea cups at 10.5cm, giving it a slender, upright character that suits the elegance of the motif. The contrast between the deep colours, white ground and gold reflects Kutani's slightly opulent tradition without feeling heavy. At 8.3cm wide it fits comfortably in the hand for sencha, hojicha, sake, or daily tea. The kind of cup that adds a small measure of art to an ordinary morning.