Traditional charm meets imperfection in this beautifully unique Soba Choco cup, crafted using the 'sealing hand' transfer printing method.
"Sealing hand" (印判, inban) printing is similar in purpose to copperplate transfer printing but usually simpler in technique and more industrialized. It was often used to mass-produce patterned ceramics in the late Edo and early Meiji periods and make daily-use tableware accessible to the public.
Designs are carved or printed onto paper or a soft material. A stamp or hand-applied method presses the pattern onto bisque-fired ceramics (slightly fired but unglazed). It tends to be used forrepeating patterns—like these dots, waves, or lattice designs. The results are less crisp than copperplate, but quicker to apply.
Copperplate transfer and this 'sealing hand' style was originally developed during a time of rapid ceramic innovation in Japan, this method allowed intricate, decorated tableware to become more widely available. Because each plate is printed by hand, you may notice small variations—faded lines, slight misalignments, or uneven colors. These are not defects but hallmarks of a time-honored tradition that celebrates wabi-sabi: the beauty of imperfection.
Product Features
Traditional Komon Pattern Designed using the 'sealing hand' type of copperplate transfer technique, a historical stencil and printing method that adds distinct texture and charm.
Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic Embraces imperfections like kasure (fading), bleeding, uneven colour, and slight misprints—traits that give each piece character and individuality.
Artisan Appeal A favourite among collectors who appreciate hand-transferred patterns and the nostalgic beauty of traditional Japanese ceramics.
Designs available
Four stars
Well girder
Water chestnut lattice
Ume
Scattering of Flowers
Specifications
Material: Porcelain
Size: Approx. 7.5 × H6cm
Item Code: NH067
Please Note
This product uses a traditional copperplate transfer method where pigment-printed Japanese paper is applied to unglazed ceramic.
Variations in pattern placement, colour bleeding, and printing errors are intentional characteristics of this style.
Not suitable for those seeking flawless, factory-perfect ceramics—but ideal for those who admire the charm of artisanal imperfection.
Perfect for tea, soba dipping sauce, or simply as a collector’s piece that celebrates Japan’s rich ceramic heritage.
