"Ocean Waves" (Hato Zu 1 of 3) (1878) by Uehara Konen

This coffee or tea mug is of “Ocean Waves” (Hato Zu 1 of 3) by Japanese artist Uehara Konen.

Konen was born in Tokyo in 1878. During the turn of the century Meiji Era, when Japan was trying to become ‘modernized’ or ‘westernized’, the woodblock print artform he excelled at was slowly disappearing from the culture. Regardless, Konen continued to create them, but in a more ‘modernist’ style.

He became Secretary of the National Painting Cultivation Society, which supported this modernization. His blending of the traditional with the modern led to him becoming part of the Imperial Household, and then later the Foreign Ministry.

Konen stands out for not letting traditional ways go completely, while adapting them to a changing situation, and finding his own path. Thus he was able to partially reject the pressure of social mores to preserve everything the way it is, and forge them into a new style.

FREE SHIPPING in the USA, plus the Bonus of a Carbon Offset on all shipping! As we don't make this, individually (with love), until you order it, please allow 2-10 business days for arrival.

• 11 ounces. A standard American Coffee size is 8 ounces (slightly higher in Europe), while the general consensus of the Tea community is that a cup of Tea is only 6 ounces. So you have room for cream, sugar, a spoon, or a teabag.
• Microwave Safe and
• Dishwasher Safe for easy cleanup. Remember, dishwashers use less water than handwashing.
• White High-Gloss Ceramic, with colored interior and handle. The high gloss brings out the colors better.
• C-handle for a comfortable, easy grip
• We used eye-catching colors for an eye-catching color contrast, with colors chosen to go with the woodblock print.