Moon Rabbit Japanese Teacup

This Japanese teacup is crafted by Le Sanpei (Yi Sam-pyeong) Kiln. Molded on the potter’s wheel, it features a hand-painted design of a rabbit hopping across crater-like spots on the moon, creating an indescribably charming atmosphere that soothes the hearts of those who see it.

This design is created by using a paper pattern in the shape of a rabbit and blowing ink into a spray by blowing on the tip of a paintbrush dipped in gosu, blue pigment, to create the shape of a rabbit. This technique is called fuki-sumi (spraying ink), seen as some signature products of Le Sanpei (Yi Sam-pyeong) Kiln.

Unlike the patterns painted directly with a brush, this technique has no outlines, and is a good example of the unconventional style of early Imari ceramics.

For early Imari, the underglaze blue painted patterns are simple, often painted freely with gosu. When fired, the base color of the ware becomes slightly tinted and has a semi-glossy appearance.

Although it is originally designed for putting soba dipping sauce in, you can use it for drinks such as sake, shochu, tea and so on.

Le Sanpei Kiln

In the early seventeenth century, Korean craftsman Yi Sam-pyeong, known as Le Sanpei (also spelled Ri Sanpei) in Japanese, discovered pottery stone in Izumiyama, Arita. This led to the creation of the oldest porcelain in Japan, known today as Arita ware. He also founded Le Sanpei Kiln, which operated for four generations before closing, though his name and legacy endured.

In 1920, Le’s thirteenth-generation descendant revived the kiln, which has been in operation ever since. Now led by the fourteenth generation kiln master, Le Sanpei’s exceptional porcelain craftsmanship lives on today.

Crafted in the historic town of Arita, located in Saga Prefecture, Arita ware stands as the most venerable porcelain production hub in the annals of Japanese history. Characterized by its ethereal translucent white surface adorned with vibrant paintings, it has profoundly influenced the porcelain craft across Europe.

Within Japan, Arita ware is held in high esteem as a prestigious brand, with the town of Arita acknowledged as a quintessential production area.