Handcrafted Teacup: pair: 180 ml (6.09 fl oz) each, diameter: 2.76inches (7cm) height: 3.35inches (8.5cm)
Traditional Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Shohoh Itoh at Shohoh Kiln

KOHCHI refers to a technique of glazing used for this cup. OSHIDORI of this name means mandarin ducks in Japanese.

This elegant teacup depicts a pair of mandarin ducks gliding peacefully across the water beneath branches adorned with cherry blossoms and fresh young leaves. In Japan, the expression OSHIDORI FUFU ("mandarin duck couple") is used to describe a happily married couple. As a symbol of love, harmony, and marital happiness, mandarin ducks have long been cherished in Japanese culture. The soft pastel tones of the flowers, foliage, and birds blend beautifully with the rich purple background, creating a tranquil scene that evokes warmth, companionship, and the beauty of spring.

The KOHCHI technique is to edge each pattern, placing a fine border of clay around each design. This limits the flowing of glaze or pigment and allows the artisan to create a graceful, vivid pattern. This unique textured edge is created with the technique called ICCHIN. It is fascinating that these traditional and sophisticated skills are employed to create this modern, fun, yet comforting aesthetic of the cup.

A closer look at the cup reveals that every pattern is painted by hand, each stroke carrying its own subtle variation, ensuring that no two motifs are identical. The purple background is applied in careful, repeated layers, creating a gentle unevenness that speaks to the authenticity of handcrafted art. It is this delicate irregularity that gives the piece its depth.

Despite the use of vivid colors, the overall impression remains remarkably natural and warm. What contributes to the quality is the cup’s beautifully rounded form, which fits comfortably in your hand and offers a distinctive touch created through the ICCHIN technique. The base is gently scraped and finished with soft brown paint that harmonizes with the rim.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.