This Japanese blue and white teacup is crafted by Le Sanpei (Yi Sam-pyeong) Kiln. Molded on the potter’s wheel, it features a hand-painted design of a rabbit hopping across crater-like spots on the moon, creating an indescribably charming atmosphere that soothes the hearts of those who see it.

This design is created by using a paper pattern in the shape of a rabbit and blowing ink into a spray by blowing on the tip of a paintbrush dipped in gosu, blue pigment, to create the shape of a rabbit. This technique is called fuki-sumi (spraying ink), seen as some signature products of Le Sanpei (Yi Sam-pyeong) Kiln.

Unlike the patterns painted directly with a brush, this technique has no outlines, and is a good example of the unconventional style of early Imari ceramics.

For early Imari, the underglaze blue painted patterns are simple, often painted freely with gosu. When fired, the base color of the ware becomes slightly tinted and has a semi-glossy appearance.

Although it is originally designed for putting soba dipping sauce in, you can use it for drinks such as sake, shochu, tea and so on.