A spring scene for your daily cup

Product Description

A blue-tailed bird nestles among white mountain cherry blossoms, its long tail falling across a warm yellow ground. Copper-toned leaves and a softly mottled surface give the scene depth, while a dark rim frames the pale interior and its small floral accent.

Made in Japan from porcelain, this Kutani mug brings a touch of spring to a morning coffee or an afternoon tea. Its gently tapered body and curved handle keep the silhouette simple, allowing the decoration to draw the eye.

With a capacity of 230 ml (approximately 7.8 US fl oz), it suits a modest individual serving. The rim measures 8 cm across and the mug stands 9 cm high; the diameter does not include the handle.

Presented in a paper box, it makes a thoughtful gift for a bird lover or someone who enjoys Japanese tableware. Pair it with a plain linen napkin and a small plate for an inviting tea setting.

Product Information
  • Material: Porcelain
  • Craft: Kutani ware
  • Design: Mountain cherry blossoms and bird on a yellow ground
  • Rim diameter: 8 cm / approximately 3.1 in
  • Height: 9 cm / approximately 3.5 in
  • Capacity: 230 ml / approximately 7.8 US fl oz
  • Origin: Japan
  • Contents: One mug
  • Packaging: Paper box
Care instructions

Hand wash with a soft sponge and mild detergent, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners, impacts and sudden temperature changes.

Microwave and dishwasher suitability has not been confirmed for this mug. We recommend gentle hand washing and heating drinks separately.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Made in Japan in the Kutani ware tradition, this mug celebrates the floral and bird motifs associated with Japanese decorative ceramics. Its yellow ground gives the white blossoms and richly coloured bird a clear, lively presence on a compact everyday form.

Note

The 8 cm measurement is the rim diameter, not the total width including the handle. Capacity is approximately 230 ml; allow space below the rim when serving.

Questions About This Piece

What is the design on this mug?
A blue-tailed bird sits among white mountain cherry blossoms and copper-toned leaves on a warm yellow ground. A small floral detail also appears inside the rim.
How large is it?
The mug measures approximately 8 cm across the rim and 9 cm high (3.1 × 3.5 in), with a capacity of 230 ml (7.8 US fl oz). The diameter excludes the handle. It suits a modest serving of tea or coffee.
Can I use it in the microwave or dishwasher?
Suitability for the microwave and dishwasher has not been confirmed. To care for the decoration, hand wash gently with mild detergent and a soft sponge, and heat drinks separately.
Does it come in a box?
Yes. One mug is supplied in a paper box, making it a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys Japanese ceramics, birds or cherry blossom designs.
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.