A pair of coffee cups by Jin Kiln, which received the honour of being purchased by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. The curves recall petals, and waves.

Sakura
Against lustrous white porcelain, cherry blossoms bloom in brilliant overglaze colour. The indigo of the branches works as an accent, giving a refined air.

“Beauty of the Heart”
Sakura is a special flower for the Japanese, who have found in it an exceptional beauty and long admired it. To say hanami — flower viewing — is generally to mean sakura. The language of the cherry blossom is “beauty of the heart,” and since ancient times the word “flower” has meant sakura, so beloved has it been.

Flowers and Birds
A charming scene of birds and flowers as a devoted pair. Each piece is drawn entirely by hand with an extremely fine brush, so the composition differs slightly from one to the next; the smooth Kakiemon-style white porcelain heightens the delicacy of the overglaze colour and the dignity of its tones.

A Gift That Holds the Japanese Spirit
Recommended as a gift for someone important, and welcomed as a gift or souvenir for those overseas.

Exceptional Functionality
The material is the finest high-grade natural pottery stone from Amakusa in Kyushu. Fired at the extreme temperature of 1,300°C, this Arita porcelain feels like silk to the touch yet is hard and non-absorbent, so stains do not settle and care is simple. There is none of the earthy scent of stoneware. Microwave and dishwasher safe, with excellent heat and cold retention, for use across generations and occasions.

About Arita Ware
Arita ware is the origin of Japanese porcelain. In 1616, under the rule of the Saga domain lord Naoshige Nabeshima, pottery stone was found in what is now Saga Prefecture and production began. Because the wares were made in Arita and shipped from the port of Imari, they are also known as Imari ware. Carried to Europe by the Dutch East India Company — the only trading partner permitted during Japan’s period of national seclusion — the porcelain was called “white gold” and furnished the courts of royalty and nobility.

What Is a Meoto Pair?
A meoto pair is a set of two vessels intended to be used together by two people, most often a couple. In Japan it is a long-standing form of gift for a wedding, an anniversary, or a new home — the pair itself carries the wish.

Sakura
The cherry blossom is Japan’s flower. For centuries, to say hana — flower — was to mean sakura. Its language of flowers is “beauty of the heart,” and its brief season is why it stands for a moment held precious.

Why a Paulownia Box
Paulownia wood is light, resists moisture and insects, and moves with changes in humidity — which is why it has been used in Japan for centuries to store what is valuable. A piece delivered in a paulownia box arrives ready to give, and the box itself is part of the gift.

Contents and Dimensions
Coffee cup × 2, booklet, paulownia box.
Body: Diameter: 8cm Height: 7cm / Saucer: Diameter: 15cm Height: 2.5cm
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.