Kutani Ware Lucky Cup, Four Patterns

At a glance

- Kutani yaki (九谷焼) porcelain, Seikou Kiln, Ishikawa Prefecture; part of Seikou's Kissyo (吉祥), meaning good fortune, cup collection
- Four traditional patterns to choose from: Neko (cat), Umekiku (plum and chrysanthemum), Tsubaki (camellia), or Chidori (plover and wave)
- Approx. 8.2cm diameter x 6.5cm high; hand wash recommended

Four patterns share this cup, part of Seikou's Kissyo range, a name that simply means good fortune.

• Neko (cat) curls across the cup, a familiar good luck figure kept by homes and shopfronts alike as a welcoming sign.
• Umekiku (plum and chrysanthemum) pairs two flowers long seen together in Japanese design, ume for quiet resilience, kiku for longevity.
• Tsubaki (camellia) is one of Japan's earliest flowers to bloom, opening while winter still has a grip on the garden.
• Chidori (plover and wave) is one of Japan's oldest good luck patterns, birds crossing rough water together long standing for a household that gets through hard times side by side.

Kutani yaki began in Japan's early Edo period, in the 17th century, in Kutani village in what is now Ishikawa Prefecture, a coloured porcelain tradition now some 350 years old. Seikou Kiln opened in 1935 in Terai, Ishikawa, continuing the styles of the painters who came before.

At this size, it suits a measure of sake, a small pour of whisky, or a compact teacup for a quick, strong brew rather than a full pot's worth. Umekiku and Chidori are also sold as matching sets:
- Umekiku set: plate, mug, lucky cup and rice bowl
- Ishidatami set: plate, mug and rice bowl
- Chidori set: plate, lucky cup and rice bowl