Kutani Ware Yunomi Teacup, Moon Rabbit

At a glance

- Kutani yaki (九谷焼) porcelain, Kitano Toujudou / Toulife, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture; gosu outline and thick five colour overglaze, over 360 years of Kutani technique
- White rabbits run beneath a full gold moon among reeds and grasses, on a deep, mottled ground; tied to tsukimi, Japan's autumn moon watching tradition
- Approx. 9.2 x 9cm; a traditional yunomi shape, handle free; hand wash recommended

In Japan, the full moon is watched for rather than simply noticed, especially at tsukimi, the autumn moon viewing festival, when families set out round dumplings and admire the harvest moon. Rabbits are woven into that same tradition: Japanese folklore places a rabbit on the moon itself, forever pounding rice cakes beneath it. This yunomi carries the fullest version of the scene: rabbits running through reeds beneath a gold moon, on the same deep, mottled ground as its matching mug, but held in the straight sided, handle free shape Japan has used for tea for centuries rather than a Western mug's.

This is Kutani ware in its most traditional form, gosu blue outlines under thick, jewel toned overglaze enamel in the classic five colours, a technique over 360 years old.

Kitano Toujudou, who trade as Toulife, are a Kutani specialist based in Nomi City, Ishikawa, trading since 1972, with close working relationships with more than a hundred local artisans and kilns.

At 9.2 x 9cm, it is generously sized for green tea, and just as suited to a quiet cup of something stronger once the evening moon is actually out. Pairs naturally with the matching mug and oval plate.