LeoFox wrote: ↑Mon Feb 13, 2023 11:09 amThis one is claimed to be an edo period soba noodle cup - not sure how old it really is but seems appropriate for sencha. Seems to have some dark marks on it that resisted baking soda and soap- if a percarbonate soak Cleans this up-will update this post. Based on what I have learned (see below) - this seems to be a relatively old cup.
Update: percarbonate didn't do anything
These soba cups or soba choko have a bit of history:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba_choko
Dating Edo period Edo era (ko-Imari) soba choko production falls into three distinct periods, Shoki period (1620–1720), Chuki period (1721–1788) and Koki period (1789–1867). Each period characterised design, shape and style transformation. Within in each era there are exceptions in hallmark designs and shapes.
Shoki period soba choko (1620-1720 - Genwa-Kyoho eras) generally featured poorer quality, often disfigured, thick sides and bases with oxide assuming a washed out appearance through thicker clear glaze. As the era progressed refinements and higher quality finishes become the norm. Traditional design were simple hand painted and also used stencils/stamping known as inban. The soba choko was generally heavy in feel. The shape and design were stable and featured similar base, oxide designs and patterning.
Chuki period soba choko (1720–1788) saw a rapid progression of designs and intricate patterns. Kiln stamps appeared and the quality of glazes and porcelain bodies improved. These early to mid era choko featured thin bases and rims, no kiln/era marks (Mikomi-moyo) and no top inner border markings (Renzoku mon). It was only in the last few years of Chuki leading into the Koki period did kiln marks and seals, top inner border patterns start to evolve.
Koki period soba choko spanned the final 78 years of Edo (1789–1867). The period is the easiest to identify. The underside base featured an 'eyeball' style circle (Janome kodai), used kiln marks, had decorative inner borders and also featured at time decorative top rims.
.Designs were hand painted or stenciled in freeform, embedded in frames or placed within bands. Four main design categories were used and included:
Plants - symbolising prosperity, health and long life
Landscapes - sea, mountains, temples, garden scenes
Mingei - geometrics, repeating patterns, seasonal images such as harvests
Animals - horses, fish, birds, bats, turtles, seaweed, clams and dragons
Certain designs today are highly sought by collectors and usually center around animal design and highly ornate polychrome choko as productions numbers were limited and are very difficult to source today.
Side by side comparison of this noodle cup with dehua cup from dxjd using a hojo sencha I know very well - tsukigase