A pair of cylindrical cups with covers for tea or for custard (chawan mushi). Each decorated in underglaze blue with a flying hoo bird or phoenix on one side and a pattern of diamonds with a flower in the center on the back. Both decorations are auspicious symbols.
The covers have a little knob in the shape of a chrysanthemum flower bud, surrounded by three leaves, also in underglaze blue. Each cup with a maker’s mark on the bottom: Sanseki Hirado.
Japan, Hirado ware, mid-20th century
H ca. 4.5 x diam cover 3 in.
One cup with chip and short, thin crack
On a deeper level: the phoenix can represent an empress, which is supported by the chrysanthemum knobs, which are an imperial symbol as well. All in all, the decorations have a regal aura.
