【303select】【Monthly Special】Arita Ware Japan Akedai Camellia Soba Choko Cup

When speaking of Keizan Kiln, the Soba Choko cup is always mentioned. Keizan Kiln offers a wide variety of over 100 hand-painted Soba Choko cups, with artisans infusing their care and warmth into each piece, reaching the heart of every user. "Choko" originally meant a small appetizer bowl. During the Edo period, with the popularity of soba noodles, it gradually evolved into a dipping sauce cup specifically for soba noodles – the "Soba Choko." Today, "Choko" has become one of the most versatile vessels. Besides being used as a dipping sauce cup for soba noodles, it is often used as a container for various small dishes, desserts, or as a cup for tea or sake. This Akedai Camellia Soba Choko cup features a Japanese-style camellia pattern. The camellia, also known as the Japanese rose, is one of Japan's representative flowers, symbolizing "modest gentleness," much like the characteristics of the Japanese people. Thus, the camellia motif is frequently seen in the design of various Japanese ceramics, goods, and lifestyle products. Paired with bright porcelain, the artisan's meticulously hand-painted Akedai camellia design embodies Japanese aesthetics, quietly blooming on the cup. Every stroke is a testament to unique craftsmanship and the warmth of handmade creation, fully showcasing the pure white texture and light, delicate feel characteristic of Arita Ware. When paired with simple elements, it allows for a freer, more relaxed enjoyment of daily life, making it a vessel that can accompany you through your day. Dishes are particularly highlighted by the clean and elegant white porcelain, enhancing the warmth of everyday moments. Arita Ware porcelain has rounded edges and a delicate texture, making it excellent for plating. Even the simplest dishes can easily achieve a refined appearance, allowing you to experience a beautiful culinary ritual at home, bringing you the most exquisite table setting and the most comforting lifestyle aesthetic. What is "Sometsuke"? "Sometsuke" is an underglaze decorating technique that uses a "blue" pigment. "Tsuke" means "decoration," thus it means "decorating with blue pigment." In Chinese culture, it is commonly seen in Ming and Qing dynasty blue and white porcelain. In Japan, it is showcased on the exceptionally white and light Arita Ware, where the resulting blue hue is particularly clean, reminiscent of indigo-dyed fabric, hence its name – "Sometsuke." Following 1650, an improved technique evolved, based on vermilion red, known as "Akae" (red painting), which made Arita Ware's colors more varied and ornate, adding further artistry. This ceramic technique involves glazing bisque ware (semi-finished pieces) and firing it at high temperatures in a single firing. Controlling the color variations is extremely challenging, requiring great skill and experience. Although this limits the range of adaptable pigments, the finished pattern is covered with a transparent glaze layer, giving the porcelain surface a smooth and exceptionally luminous texture. Combined with Arita Ware's characteristic whiteness and lightness, the entire vessel appears exceptionally translucent and durable, making it ideal for everyday use. Suitable for | Serving various small dishes, appetizers, soba noodle dipping sauce, tea, or sake. Applicable Cookware | ✓ Microwave × Oven Cleaning Method | 303 recommends hand washing as the best cleaning method. For glazed items (overglaze decoration), it is not recommended to use any cleaning method other than hand washing to avoid damage to the glaze. ✓ Hand Wash: Can be washed with a soft cloth or sponge. × Dishwasher: Prolonged use in a dishwasher, due to vibrations and washing methods, may cause minor damage to thin porcelain. × Dish Dryer About Arita Ware Arita Ware originates from Saga Prefecture, the birthplace of Japanese ceramics. In the 1650s, it even became popular in Europe, opening up an international perspective for Japanese pottery. Its greatest characteristic is its white and light texture, with a hardness comparable to glass and a delicate feel. This unprecedented ceramic expression was astonishing, and coupled with its ornate Japanese designs, it was greatly favored by European nobles at the time. For over 400 years, the tradition and innovation of Arita Ware have shaped Japan's unique aesthetic consciousness. Since 2016, new attempts like the SAGAMA project have been launched, showcasing the beauty of combining modern and traditional craftsmanship. Brand Story | About Keizan Kiln (Keizangama) Founded in 1957 by the first-generation founder, Mr. Ryuichi Shinohara, it inherits 400 years of craftsmanship. It was named after the beautiful Sarugawa Valley near the kiln. Keizan Kiln initially specialized in producing tableware for the imperial family and high-end Japanese restaurants. However, with the changing times, it gradually transitioned to producing tableware that can be used for everyday home cooking. Each piece from Keizan Kiln is hand-painted by artisans, whose exquisite skills and color control techniques imbue every item with a unique handmade warmth, bringing elegance in detail and practicality. Keizan Kiln is dedicated to conveying that using their tableware can make the user's daily life more comfortable and enjoyable. Imported from Japan × Made in Saga Prefecture × Produced by Keizan Kiln Kiln | Keizan Kiln Material | Arita Ware Porcelain (Amakusa Tōseki from Kumamoto Prefecture) Color | White Porcelain, Akae (Red Painting) Size | Approx. ⌀7.8 × H 6.2 cm Capacity | Full approx. 150ml