VIntage item, never used. A striking Arita-yaki 有田焼 free cup set by Zuichō 瑞兆, combining richly decorative Japanese porcelain with a particularly clever multifunctional design.
Each cup is finished in a deep glossy black glaze, creating a dramatic background for elaborate floral panels featuring peonies and other blossoms in shades of red, pink, blue and green.
The cups are accompanied by matching saucers and specially designed fitted covers. What makes this set particularly interesting is the multifunctional lid: in addition to keeping the drink warm, it incorporates a textured section that can be used to grate fresh ginger, making it especially convenient when preparing ginger tea or other warming infusions. The small opening at the end of the lid also provides a practical place to rest the small spoon.
Arita-yaki (有田焼) originates from Arita in Saga Prefecture, one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic centres. With a history dating back to the early 17th century, Arita became renowned for finely made porcelain, sophisticated painted decoration and elegant tableware produced for both Japanese and international markets.
The Japanese term free cup describes a versatile drinking vessel intended for many different beverages rather than a single specific use. These cups are therefore suitable for Japanese tea, Chinese tea, herbal infusions, ginger tea, coffee or other hot drinks.
Size: 10 x 8 x 8cm (Cup)
8 x 9cm (Lid)
12 x 12 x 2.5cm (Plate)
