ICE BLUE HAND-PAINTED PORCELAIN CUP (MID-CENTURY)

A beautiful blend of the delicate and bold, these mid-century white Arita-yaki porcelain cups are glazed in a translucent ice blue and hand-painted with stunning golden-brown Japanese motifs. We love the rounded faceted base that enhances the subtle hue of the glaze, but it’s the detail of the designs of these that truly delight. Fluid brushstrokes illustrate the natural wonders of a Japanese garden — imperial chrysanthemums, a regal pheasant, and a peony alongside whirls of pond water.

Though the previous owner remembers these cups being used in a family "minshuku" (private inn) as deep bowls for side dishes, she uses the ones she kept for herself for Japanese tea.

Porcelain
Diameter 9.3cm x Height 7.5cm