Product Description

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship with the Kutani Cherry and Bird Soba Cup. This cup, adorned with delicate hand-painted motifs of a bird nestled among blooming cherry blossoms, offers a sensory experience that enriches your dining moments. Each cup captures nature's charm and adds a vibrant touch to your table setting.

Craftsmanship and Material

Handcrafted in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, this soba choko is made from durable porcelain. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are hallmarks of Kutani ware. The overglaze enamel painting technique showcases vivid blues, reds, and earthy tones, bringing the charming cherry blossom scene to life. Each cup, measuring 3.2 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches in height (8.2 cm x 6.5 cm), is unique, reflecting the artisan's skill and the rich heritage of Japanese pottery.

Enhance Your Dining Experience

This versatile cup is ideal for serving desserts such as ice cream and soups, or for small bowls of appetizers and side dishes. Its comfortable size ensures it’s perfect for both daily meals and special gatherings. Imagine savoring a warm chawanmushi in this captivating cup, adding a touch of color and sophistication to your dining experience.

Additional Information

Each Kutani Cherry and Bird Soba Cup comes beautifully packaged in a paper box, making it a thoughtful gift for connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship. Due to the artisanal nature of the product, slight variations in pattern and color may occur, enhancing its unique charm. Embrace the elegance of handcrafted Japanese tableware and enhance your home decor with this beautiful soba cup.

Product Information
  • Dimensions: Diameter 3.2 in / 8.2 cm, Height 2.6 in / 6.5 cm
  • Material: Porcelain
  • Packaging: Cosmetic box
  • Capacity: Multi-purpose (soba soup, desserts, soups, small bowls, mugs, etc.)
  • Made in Japan
Care instructions


- Gently hand wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge after each use.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to preserve the delicate surface.
- Do not place in the dishwasher or microwave, as this may damage the intricate design and porcelain material.
- Store in a dry place, preferably within the provided paper box, to protect it from dust and potential damage.
- Handle with care to maintain its stunning craftsmanship and beauty.

Respecting this exquisite piece ensures its longevity and allows you to enjoy its elegance for years to come.

Note

Each Kutani Cherry and Bird Soba Cup is a beautifully artisan-made piece, crafted with care and attention to detail. As with all handmade items, you may notice subtle differences and unique imperfections that enhance the character of your cup. These variations are not flaws, but rather a testament to the craftsmanship and individuality of each piece, ensuring that your cup is as unique as you are. Embrace the charm of these delightful quirks, and enjoy sipping your favorite noodles in a truly one-of-a-kind vessel!

Questions About This Piece

What’s the meaning behind the cherry blossom and bird design?
Cherry blossoms represent fleeting beauty, while birds suggest movement and life. Together, they capture a very Japanese sense of the seasons.
Is this cup only used for soba dipping sauce?
That’s the traditional use, but it works just as well for tea, sake, or small desserts. It’s meant to be enjoyed, not restricted.
What makes this Kutani cup feel special in person?
The hand-painted details and soft color transitions give it depth. It’s the kind of piece that feels more personal than decorative.
Will the painted design fade with regular use?
No. The artwork is fired into the glaze, so it’s made to hold up over time with normal care.
Kutani ware from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Kutani ware · Ishikawa, Japan

Kutani: Japan’s art of brilliant color

Kutani ware emerged in Ishikawa in the 17th century and became celebrated for bold overglaze painting and an unmistakably rich use of color. Its decorative language ranges from expressive nature motifs to highly detailed compositions, giving Kutani porcelain a vivid character unlike almost any other Japanese ceramic tradition.

17th-century roots born in Ishikawa
Kutani Gosai five signature colors
Overglaze painting bold, layered, expressive
Ishikawa · Hokuriku · Japan

Discover Kutani

Learn more about Kutani ware

What is Kutani ware?

Kutani ware is a tradition of Japanese porcelain associated with Ishikawa Prefecture. It first developed in the 17th century and is especially known for richly colored overglaze decoration, bold compositions and a wide range of styles that evolved over several centuries.

What are the five colors of Kutani ware?

The traditional Kutani palette is often referred to as Kutani Gosai, or the five Kutani colors: red, yellow, green, purple and dark blue. These vivid overglaze enamels are used in different combinations, from dense decorative painting to more restrained contemporary work.

Where is Kutani ware made?

Kutani ware is associated with Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan’s Hokuriku region, particularly the areas around Kaga, Komatsu and Kanazawa. The original Kutani production began near present-day Kaga in the mid-1600s.

Why does Kutani ware look so different from other Japanese porcelain?

Kutani is distinguished by its emphasis on decoration after the porcelain body has been fired. Layers of colored enamel are applied over the glaze, allowing artists to create saturated color, strong outlines and highly expressive imagery. This gives Kutani ware a more painterly and often more dramatic appearance than many other Japanese porcelain traditions.