Japanese Ceramic Reusable Cup “Red Earth”

Description

Shokunin Store original Japanese ceramic reusable cup “Red Earth” is made by award winning Kyoto based ceramist Shigeo Takemura of Daiichi Kiln.  It is an art piece you can hold everyday in your hands, offered at an affordable price.  Whether you are in your car on your way to work or having a stroll down to your favourite coffee shop, this beautiful reusable cup will surely brighten your day, wherever you take it.  It is not just because it looks great and  environmentally friendly but I love it for the taste.  I am a firm believer that coffee and tea taste best in ceramics.  Either way we should all own a reusable cup.  Microplastics from single use coffee cups that goes in to your body can’t be good for you either.
I did not want to buy a plastic reusable cup but there aren’t many options out there for ceramic ones.  The ones I tried are too heavy and too thick.  Thick clunky cups tend to take the heat away from your drink and I like mine reasonably hot.  Thick rim is not so nice to drink out of when you are at home using the cup without the silicon lid.  So I designed this reusable cup  and got it made.

Art piece made by renowned ceramist for daily use

I wanted to offer something that is unique in design.  When I saw Takemura san’s ceramic collection with these two contrasting colours – sky blue and earthy matte orange, I fell in love.  Because it was so different.  Because It reminded me of the red earth and the blue sky that I gazed for hours from the window of the Australian sleeper train “the Ghan” when I traveled from Adelaide to Darwin years ago.

This reusable cup is an original item only available at Shokunin Store.  Making this reusable cup was not without challenge for Takemura san who makes his cups totally by hand without using a mould as many Kyoto ceramists do.  After many attempts, he successfully created cups that standard size silicon lid can fit so they work as a reusable cup.

Colours of the outback

One of the special features of this Japanese reusable cup is its amazing colours.  The natural glaze used on the cup is hand made, a magical creation of the artist using sunflower.  The artist Shigeo Takemura is a truly well respected figure in the world of ceramics and traditional crafts, having won numerous awards in Japan and he also serves as a judge for ceramic competitions.  He has been accepted as a member of the prestigious Japan Kogei (Crafts) Association and Kyoto Arts and Crafts Artists Association.  His work displayed in museums are worth thousands of dollars.  I love how he also enjoys creating every day items like this cup, making his beautiful work more accessible to many of us.

Features
– Kyoto Ceramic Ware with silicon lid
– Handmade by award winning Japanese artist
– Natural handmade glaze (sunflower)
– Thin and light-weight
– Comes in a white gift box

Specifications
Diameter: 8cm
Height: 10cm
Weight: Cup 188g / Silicon Lid 28g
Size: 250ml

Care Instructions
Soak in warm water for a few minutes before first use.  This will help seal the ceramic surface, making it more stain resistant.
– Microwave Oven Safe (do not microwave the silicon lid)
– Dishwasher Safe (hand wash recommended)
– The cup is made of natural material and absorbs any liquid you put in.  If stained, you can use bleach safe for tableware.