Widely celebrated as the epitome of Japanese traditional crafts, Arita ware was highly favored by the European royalty, titled nobility as well as connoisseurs around the world who competed to collect them as a symbol of their authority 400 years ago.
This is a series of coffee cups made by Kinryu Kiln that has been preserving the tradition of Arita ware. It comes available in a total of 21 designs featuring seasonal flowers and plants as well as auspicious motifs that symbolize “spring, summer, autumn, winter and celebratory occasions” of Japan, each hand-painted with traditional techniques.
The name “Toki-Shirase” has its roots in the “Shin Kokin Wakashu (New Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern),” the eighth imperial collection of waka poems from Japan’s medieval period. The coffee cups visualize the four seasons and auspicious occasions of Japan, allowing you to express appreciation for the different seasons as you pick them up. Valuing the “moment” of the users, the products convey the company’s spirit of empathy and the hope of brightening up the day with beautiful seasonal colors.
Each cup is painted by traditional craftsman Tendo Eguchi and ceramic painter Ichidai Nakamura lavishly using gold and platinum paints through Arita’s decorating techniques such as “Sometsuke (underglaze),” “Aka-e (red painting)” and “Kinsai (gold embellishment).”
Particular attention has also been given to the shape of the cups. The rims are gently curved to make a soft impression when they touch the mouth. Also, the shapes are comfortable to hold. The flowers and landscapes of the four seasons depicted vibrantly on the cups with masterful skills retain their beauty over the years. Indulge in the moment of luxury with these exquisite art pieces that add a touch of color to your life.