Ichimatsu Small Teacup
The handmade ceramic teacup beautifully features the iconic Ichimatsu checkerboard design in rich blue. This hand-painted pattern, with its origins in Japanese culture, symbolises prosperity and balance, adding a touch of tradition to your tea rituals. No two cups are exactly the same, highlighting the uniqueness of handmade craftsmanship.
Made from high-quality porcelain, this teacup is durable yet lightweight, offering a comfortable grip for enjoying both hot and cold beverages. Its timeless design, combined with the meticulous attention to detail, makes it a charming and functional piece, perfect for tea lovers and collectors of traditional Japanese ceramics.
Each piece is hand-painted by on experienced and skilful ceramics expert. You can see the detail of each brush stroke and the long time it takes to create this piece of functional art as each item is painted one at a time.
Matching Japanese Kyusu Teapot sold separately.
Key Features:
- Handcrafted with the classic Ichimatsu checkerboard pattern
- Features hand-painted blue detailing, a traditional Japanese indigo hue
- Made from handcrafted porcelain, offering durability and elegance
- Lightweight and comfortable for everyday use
- Reflects traditional Japanese craftsmanship, offering a unique piece for your collection
Notes and Precautions:
- Avoid using on open flames or in ovens to prevent breakage.
- The polished base should not be dragged across surfaces to avoid scratches.
- Please do not use harsh sponges or Brillo pads to clean the item as it will leave scratches and we it may contribute to the colour fading over time.
Dimensions
6.8 cm H x 7.2 cm
Region
Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, Japan
Care
Avoid using on open flames or in ovens to prevent breakage.
The polished base should not be dragged across surfaces to avoid scratches.
Please do not use harsh sponges or Brillo pads to clean the item as it will leave scratches and we it may contribute to the colour fading over time.
Shipping & Returns
Delivery
We generally use Royal Mail for our deliveries:
- UK Standard Delivery (dispatched in 3–5 working days) – £4.95
- UK orders over £60 – FREE
- Store Collection (1–2 working days) – FREE
- EU Delivery – £19.00
- US Delivery – from £15.00
- Everywhere Else – from £16.00
Delivery times are estimates and may vary during busy periods or due to customs.
Customs & Import Charges
For EU orders under €150 (excluding shipping), VAT is collected at checkout. Orders over €150 may be subject to additional customs charges on arrival.
For deliveries outside the EU, any customs duties, taxes or import fees are the responsibility of the customer.
For full Delivery details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.
Returns
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’re happy to help.
- Full-price items: return within 14 days
- Return postage: paid by the customer, unless the item is faulty, incorrect or not as described
- Food items: unfortunately cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons
For full Returns details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.
Ichimatsu Small Teacup
Founded in 1953 in Yoshida, Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, Soekyu Seitosho is a distinguished ceramics manufacturer rooted in the historic Hizen-Yoshida pottery tradition, an area adjacent to Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain.
From its inception, the company has specialised in producing high-quality tableware for daily use, embodying the spirit of functional beauty and craftsmanship that defines the Hizen-Yoshida ware tradition. Early production focused on traditional painted motifs, and over time the business has evolved through generations, preserving long-established techniques while embracing creative innovation.
A defining milestone came in 2015 with the development of the GOSU series, a signature collection showcasing five distinct shades of gosu, the traditional Japanese cobalt blue pigment. This series offers an innovative reinterpretation of the classic dami brush painting technique, in which richly pigmented cobalt is applied by hand onto unglazed pottery, allowing subtle tonal variations and expressive depth to emerge through the firing process, resulting in vibrant blues that respond uniquely to the kiln environment.
Today, Soekyu Seitosho is led by Hisahiro Soejima, the third-generation CEO, alongside his wife Michiko Soejima. Together, this family business continues the legacy of the company’s founder, Kyuhachi Soejima, maintaining artisanal standards while evolving its craft.