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This is a refined set of five Sencha tea cups from Seto ware, titled “Sencha Zoroi” (煎茶揃), produced under the brand Mai Tōkan (舞陶館) of Seto, Aichi Prefecture – one of Japan’s most historic ceramic centers.

The most striking feature of this set is its vivid “Marine Blue” glaze. The surface reveals fine crackle patterns (kannyū), created by the natural difference in shrinkage between glaze and clay during firing. These delicate lines enhance the transparency and depth of the brilliant blue, giving the cups a jewel-like luminosity.

The foot (kodai) area is intentionally left unglazed, exposing the natural clay and creating a beautiful contrast between the rustic earthen texture and the glossy blue glaze above. This balance between modern color aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship is characteristic of contemporary Seto ceramics.

As indicated on the original wooden tomobako (共箱), the central inscription reads “煎茶揃” (Sencha Zoroi – set of Sencha cups), and the lower inscription reads “舞陶館” (Mai Tōkan). The red seal confirms the “Mai” mark.

These cups are ideally suited for sencha green tea, where the vibrant blue glaze enhances the fresh green color of the tea. They may also be used as sake cups, dessert bowls, or small side-dish vessels, reflecting their versatile modern design.

A complete five-piece set preserved in its original wooden box.

⸻

Size

Height: 6.5 cm
Width: 8.5 cm
Depth: 8.5 cm

⸻

Weight

121 g per cup × 5
Total weight with box: 1000 g

⸻

Condition

Excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks. The original wooden box shows minor storage wear consistent with age.

⸻

Artist Profile

Mai Tōkan (舞陶館) is a Seto-based ceramic brand associated with contemporary production in Seto, Aichi Prefecture. Rooted in the long-standing traditions of Seto ware, the brand produces colorful and modern tableware that harmonizes traditional techniques with present-day lifestyle aesthetics.


1970-1980, 1980-1990 - Japan -  

舞陶館 - Tea cup - Ceramic - Marine Blue煎茶

Whisky

Reserve price

No reserve price

Budget

From

Closing date

Sunday

24 August

Wednesday

Saturday

25 August

Friday

tomorrow

Thursday

Location

Germany

France

Italy

Belgium

The Netherlands

Taiwan

Poland

Spain

Portugal

Hong Kong

United Kingdom

Japan

Andorra

Romania

Slovak Republic

Sweden

Latvia

Austria

Denmark

Hungary

Luxembourg

Malta

United States

Brand

Macallan

Johnnie Walker

Ardbeg

Jack Daniel's

Springbank

Yamazaki

Glenmorangie

Hibiki

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Bowmore

Dalmore

Laphroaig

Highland Park

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Royal Salute

Octomore

Bruichladdich

Caol Ila

Chivas Regal

Karuizawa

Lagavulin

Bunnahabhain

Caperdonich

Talisker

Bimber

Object

Single malt whisky

Blended whisky

Japanese whisky

Scotch whisky

Bourbon whiskey

Malt whisky

Blended malt whisky

Branded merchandise collection

Whisky glass

Irish whiskey

Tennessee whiskey

Flask

Canadian whisky

American whiskey

Rye whisky

Drinking service

Pure malt 

Lighted sign

Blended malt

Grain whisky

Pure malt

Single grain whisky

Country of origin

Scotland

Speyside

Islay

Highlands

Campbeltown

Lowlands

Ireland

Orkney

Isle of Skye

England

Canada

Isle of Arran

Unknown

Asia

Wales

Isle of Mull

Isle of Raasay

Bottle size

70cl

700ml

75cl

1 Litre

750ml

20cl

50cl

180ml

660ml

4.7cl

10cl

35cl

1.14 Litres

1.5 Litres

Material

Glass

Metal

Plastic

Leather

Steel

Crystal

Wood

Cotton

Paper

Condition

Good

As new - unused

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Excellent

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Period

1970s

2020s

1990s

1980s

2000s

2010s

2020+

1960s

1960-1970

1990-2000

Style

Contemporary

Design

Mid-century modern

Colour

Transparent

Green

Turquoise

Brown

Gold

Orange

Silver

White

Multicolour

Yellow

Pink

Cream

Bronze

Alcohol Percent List

57.1%

46.3%

47.8%

45.8%

48.3%

46.2%

51.2%

54.7%

46.7%

48.5%

48.6%

51.4%

56.6%

58.6%

After 2000

1900-2000

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舞陶館 - Tea cup - Ceramic - Marine Blue煎茶

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