Kutani Ware Mug, Two Patterns

At a glance

- Kutani yaki (九谷焼) porcelain, Seikou Kiln, Ishikawa Prefecture; overglaze colour applied using the workshop's own in house transfer technique
- Two traditional patterns to choose from: Ishidatami (a chequered, cobblestone pattern) or Umekiku (plum and chrysanthemum)
- Approx. 9cm diameter, H9.2cm, 330ml; dishwasher and microwave safe

Two patterns share this 330ml mug.

• Ishidatami (a chequered, cobblestone pattern) takes its name from stone paving laid out in a grid; in Japan it is considered protective against misfortune, and because the grid repeats outward with no natural end, it is also read as a wish for prosperity that keeps on going.
• Umekiku (plum and chrysanthemum) pairs two flowers often seen together in Japanese design: ume flowers while snow is still on the ground, a symbol of quiet resilience, while kiku, the chrysanthemum, is Japan's flower of longevity.

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, and its transfer paper is developed in house, applied by hand until the seams disappear entirely.

At 330ml, it holds a proper morning coffee or a big pot of bought tea without needing a refill halfway through. Both patterns 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