Soba cup
ca. 1800
Production of Imari porcelain boomed in the mid-17th century with the invention of overglaze enameling techniques, made for both the domestic and European export markets. The auspicious motif of pine and crane, designating long life, decorates a soba cup that might have been used in Japan to serve hot buckwheat noodles on New Year's Eve, a tradition that survives to this day.
Imari ware, (Ko-Imari type), porcelain with overglaze enamels and underglaze blue
3 x 4 1/16 in. (7.6 x 10.3cm)
Bequest of Frank D. Stout
98.47.13.5
