Vintage item, never used. This charming pair of Tachikichi (たち吉) porcelain yunomi tea cups celebrates the Year of the Rat (子年, Nezumi-doshi) through a delightful and distinctly Japanese design. Each cup features an adorable white mouse resting atop a traditional straw rice bale, framed against vibrant red and blue backgrounds, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and good fortune for the New Year.
Founded in 1752 during the mid-Edo period in Kyoto, Tachikichi is one of Japan's most respected ceramic houses. With over 260 years of history, the company has become renowned for combining the refined aesthetics of Kyoto craftsmanship with practical tableware designed for everyday enjoyment. Their pieces are appreciated for their clean forms, timeless elegance, and exceptional porcelain quality.
The pair beautifully reflects Tachikichi's understated style, with smooth white porcelain serving as the perfect canvas for the cheerful zodiac illustrations. On the reverse, each cup bears the traditional seal, a playful expression celebrating the Rat zodiac and wishing happiness and good fortune. The contrasting red and blue designs create a harmonious matching set, ideal for couples or collectors of Japanese zodiac tableware.
Representing the first animal of the Japanese zodiac, the Rat (Nezumi) symbolizes wisdom, resourcefulness, prosperity, and new beginnings. In Japanese culture, rats are also closely associated with plentiful harvests, as they traditionally inhabit granaries filled with rice, making them enduring symbols of abundance and good fortune.
Size: 6 x 6 x 9cm
