A playful design but still a soup cup
This is an easy-to-use soup cup that goes well with drinks as well as tomato soups and velouté soups, and those who hold it for the first time will be surprised at its lightness. It can be used as a dessert cup for fruits and yogurt, as well as a one-plate soup cup or small bowl.
Features:
- Authentic Iga ware from Mie Prefecture
- Handcrafted using traditional methods
- Holds approximately [specific volume]
- Ideal for tea, coffee, or display
Embrace the timeless beauty of Iga ware with this exquisite ceramic piece. Add a piece of Japanese heritage to your collection today.
Details
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- Height: 8.5cm approx.
- Diameter: 5.5 cm approx.
- Width including handle: 12.5 cm approx.
In the box
- 1 x Japanese Small Soup Cup
Historical Background
- Origin: Iga ware dates back to the late 7th century, with significant development during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods.
- Development: The ceramics gained popularity during the Momoyama period (1573-1603) when tea ceremonies became prominent. Iga ware's natural aesthetics and earthy tones were highly valued by tea masters.
Characteristics
- Clay: The clay used in Iga ware is rich in silica and iron, giving it a distinctive texture and strength. This clay is known for its fire-resistant properties, making it ideal for kilns.
- Firing Process: Iga ware is typically wood-fired, which creates unique variations in color and texture. The firing process can result in natural ash glazes and an uneven surface, adding to the rustic charm.
- Aesthetics: The pottery often features a rough, unrefined look with intentional imperfections, cracks, and warping, embodying the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in imperfection and transience.
Notable Techniques
- Hori-kanna: This technique involves carving the surface of the pottery to create decorative patterns and textures.
- Kohiki: A method where a white slip is applied over the clay body before firing, creating a contrast between the white surface and the clay's natural color.
Modern Iga Ware
Today, Iga ware continues to be produced using traditional methods, with artisans dedicated to preserving the craft. Contemporary Iga ceramics are appreciated for both their historical significance and their aesthetic qualities, making them popular among collectors and tea ceremony practitioners.
Note: All Iga ware ceramics are unique pieces made entirely by hand and baked in wood fire climbing kilns. Each is a little different. Differences between the pictures and your item are normal. Please see pictures to get an idea about the differences in appearance and texture.
