Rounded Teacup with Carved Pattern - Waryokou Inspired

Crafted from coarse red earthenware clay, this piece evokes the warmth characteristic of pottery. After being formed into a charming, rounded shape, it was adorned with a carved pattern inspired by the *Waryokou* flower. The cup was fired with a matte glaze that imparts a natural, understated texture, and then the carved details were hand-painted and fired again. The colors are a touch more playful and endearing than those of the actual *Waryokou*. Its perfectly round, endearing form fits comfortably in your hands, the curves of the cup nestling into your palms. The interior is a light, off-white hue, allowing you to fully appreciate the color of transparent beverages like sencha green tea or black tea. It's also wonderful for lattes, hojicha lattes, and can even serve as a charming dish for ice cream or pudding. We invite you to enjoy it with a variety of drinks and dishes. All stages of creation, from kneading the clay and shaping to the bisque firing, glazing, and final firing, are meticulously done by hand in my home studio, equipped with a small electric kiln and a potter's wheel. While mass production is not possible, each piece possesses a unique character and charm, a testament to the beauty of handcrafted items. The item you receive will be identical to the one shown in the product images. To ensure minimal scratching of your table surfaces, the base has been sanded smooth. Please note that due to the thicker construction required for the carved pattern, this teacup is slightly heavier than others. We hope you'll appreciate the satisfying weight that is characteristic of pottery. I continually explore new combinations of glazes and clays, creating a diverse range of pottery in various colors and forms. Each piece is unique, resembling others but truly one-of-a-kind. It would bring me immense joy if you find a piece that speaks to you. May the cozy atmosphere woven by the clay and glaze add a touch of daily color to your life. ーーーーー *Size and Weight* Diameter: 9.2 cm Base Diameter: 4.1 cm Height: 6.5 cm Weight: 207g ーーーーー *Purchase and Usage Precautions* - Due to the inherent porous nature of ceramics, colors may seep into crazing over time, or moisture may gradually pass through. To address this, all our pottery undergoes a sealing treatment with a food-safe sealant before shipping, eliminating the need for initial seasoning (mejime). This sealing process requires 2-3 days, hence our shipping timeframe of 5 days from order placement. If you prefer not to have the sealant applied, please notify us at the time of purchase. - The colors of the glaze may appear whiter under natural daylight or cool white lighting, and more reddish or yellowish under evening light or warm-toned lamps. - Cutlery shown in product images is not included. - We strive to capture product images that are as true to life as possible through photography and editing. However, colors may vary slightly depending on your monitor settings and ambient lighting conditions. Please understand this in advance. - As this item is also sold on other platforms, in the rare event of overlapping purchases, priority will be given to the customer who completes the purchase process first. We appreciate your understanding. - While the item can be used in a microwave (for brief reheating) and dishwasher, the vibrations from microwaves and the high-pressure spray of hot water may accelerate wear over time. We recommend using these appliances sparingly. - Please refrain from using the item in an oven or over direct heat. - After use, to prevent staining and mold, please wash thoroughly and ensure the item is completely dry before storing it in your cupboard or elsewhere.