Kutani Ware Japanese Mug — Hanazume Gold Floral

A Kutani ware mug in the traditional hanazume style — flowers packed edge to edge across the entire surface, each one outlined and separated in raised gold. Chrysanthemum, plum and peony crowd together with no ground left visible, which is the point of the technique and the reason it takes so long to finish.

Available in two colourways:

• Gold — the warm palette Kutani is best known for. Amber and gold ground with deep red, plum and coral flowers, and a raised white chrysanthemum at the centre of each side. The showier of the two, and the one that reads as a gift on sight.
• Green — jade, teal and soft violet over gold. Quieter than the red and gold, and easier to sit alongside plain ceramics and timber.

Both share the same form: a gently flared rim finished with a fine gold line, with the handle and interior left white so the pattern stays the focus.

Made in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kutani porcelain has been produced since the 1600s. The kiln mark is stamped in red on the base. Individually boxed and ready to give.

Care: Hand wash only. Not suitable for microwave or dishwasher — the gold decoration will be damaged.

Each piece is finished by hand, so small variations in colour, pattern and surface are normal. Pinholes, fine glaze crazing and occasional dark iron specks are characteristic of the material, not faults.

As each piece is lovingly handcrafted, subtle variations in size, glaze, colour, and texture may occur, adding to the unique character and charm of the artisan-made product.