celebratory vessels and tableware
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The particular uniqueness of this fully functional tableware is that the stem differs
in each piece. The designs complement beautifully the milestones in one's life,
for example: wedding, retirement, birth...
This cup is used to highlight the realization of things much larger than ourselves. One might use this cup after eating humble pie. The Onis (Japanese Devils) were playing in the temple bell one day and would not let the priests perform the ritual. Just as they were feeling very important the hand of Buddha came down and locked them under the bell. This story and cup is to remind us that God is all-present.
Representative of the coming together of the different elements of nature. This piece interweaves the pleasing combination of images from the animal world and mankind. This cup would be used to celebrate the camaraderie of creation; humanity's role in preserving what it has. This Japanese folk hero is best known as a toy that always returns to an upright position no matter how many times it is pushed down. Daruma's posture is symbolic of the nine years he is said to have spent seated in meditation. This cup is to be used to celebrate the completion of long years of practice which leads to mastery in the area of endeavor. The coming-of-age cup. Many cultures and religions have an age when a young person is thought of as mature enough to stand with the adults of their group. Here we see the journey of the young person through the different chambers of the nautilus; emerging to stand as an accountable pillar of their world. This cup would be used to toast the milestones in one's education- either formal or Life's lessons. The Sennin (teacher) was educated by the carp as to how gentle and beautiful the creatures below the sea were. Kinko came back with quite an education and was the first priest to speak for vegetarianism. This cup portays an old man and his dog resting after work. Thrown back over his head is his Jester's mask. This cup would be used to celebrate the completion of any long term project or retirement in the traditional Western sense. The ceremony of Setsubun is celebrated in the first week of February on the evening that marks the end of Kan, the coldest season. From every orthodox Japanese home can be heard the cries of "Fortune in! Devil out!" While uttering these cries the head of the household throws three handfuls of parched beans in each room in the house to exorcise the Onis. This cup would be used to celebrate the New Year or any time one wins out over evil. This cup would be used to celebrate the joy of new parenthood, upon finding that one was with child and just after delivery. All of the Sun signs are present on the woman's body for the baby can be delivered at any time. The full Moon face on the belly stands for a Native American story that says to help with conceiving a woman should let the light of a full Moon shine on her belly. This cup would be used to mark a spiritual birth and rebirth. Many religions speak to the concept of crossing over a river: the rivers Styx and Jordan, for example. Of course, one could celebrate the crossing over of someone dear with this vessel.
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This cup would be used most often to celebrate a marriage. In Japan the carp represents long life and a tenacious attitude towards its endeavors. The newlyweds in Japan are given a carp to prepare and share together to remind them of the tenacity needed to make a marriage work. Fish have been a symbol of God's watchful protection because their eyes, like God's, never close. Fish are also associated with fertility because of the vast quantity of eggs they lay. When Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Mannesseh, he says: "Let them multiply in the midst of the Earth." The Hebrew word for "multiply," -ve yidgu- is derived from "fish" -dagim-. This cup could also be used when one is starting a major new venture in life: an new job, a new business, or starting University.
The relaxed Buddha figure is enthroned in a pyramid. It is said that the pyramid is a protective strength-giving space. So the figure is protected from the anxieties of the outside world. "Visions," could be used to celebrate the strength that one finds within oneself.
The Zebra is the symbol of the protective nature carried on by the male at the birth of his child. In the wild the male zebra stands guard while his mate gives birth. This cup could be used to toast the males in ones life; i.e., Father's Day.
