Shoebill Soup Cup

This soup cup features the striking presence of the shoebill, rendered in a palette of gentle, muted tones across the interior base and exterior side of the cup using the technique of Japanese paper dyeing, or washi-zome. Because each bird is meticulously painted by hand, every piece possesses a slightly different expression, a unique charm that ensures your cup is the only one of its kind in the world.

The artistry is elevated by delicate gold stippling on the bird’s head, torso, and feet. These subtle metallic accents catch the light with a soft shimmer, lending a refined brilliance to the whimsical illustration.

Designed with a keen eye for the user’s experience, the cup is crafted with a slender profile that offers a remarkably smooth, pleasant feel against the lips. The handle is shaped to sit naturally against the fingers, providing a secure and balanced grip even when the vessel is full.

We invite you to pair this piece with others from the collection. Transforming your table into a lively gathering place for these charismatic birds adds a sense of spirited ceremony to every meal.

Higashi Kiln

Higashi Kiln’s works are famous for their glass-like smoothness and use of soft and pastel colors that resemble watercolor paintings. This unique style utilizes the beauty of Tobe ware ceramics without being bound by its conventional frameworks.

The painting is performed by woman artist Ohigashi Alyne. Born in the Philippines, she has been creating beautiful, innovative Tobe ware at Higashi Kiln for over thirty years.

Tobe Ware

Tobe ware is porcelain produced in the Tobe region of Ehime Prefecture, located in the northwest of Shikoku Island. The white porcelain, with its beautiful, slightly bluish hue from the iron content, continues to be highly valued and loved. Tobe ware maintains a strong respect for traditional handicraft techniques, even amidst modernization.