Tableware Mug Okura Touen Black Cat Parent and Child - Auspicious Story - II Mug "Koma from Gourd"

Front... gourd/piece (left horse)
A kitten liked the shape of a gourd and got stuck in its constriction. A piece (horse) suddenly jumps out of the gourd, and the parent cat jumps in surprise. The ``piece from the gourd'' is a metaphor for something impossible, but the piece is the ``left horse'', which is considered auspicious. Gourds are said to be the oldest cultivated food for humans, and were essential for storing water and alcohol. It was also a container for storing seeds, and it was said that the seeds inside would definitely bear fruit, making it a lucky charm of success and good fortune. Also, if you read ``uma'' backwards, ``mau'' = ``dance.'' Since ancient times, dances have been performed on auspicious occasions, so the upside-down horse (left horse) is considered to be an auspicious character or word.
Back...Kakutaru (holiday barrel)
A playful kitten becomes curious about a mysterious object with horns and begins to climb up on it. Kakutaru (celebration barrel) is a highly decorative version of the sake barrel that is displayed at celebratory occasions. This auspicious design is associated with the auspicious relationship between the gourd, which was an essential item for holding water, and alcohol.

Product number/107C/5401-1
Series/Black cat parent and child-Auspicious story-
Size/Diameter: Approximately 8.5cm, Height: Approximately 8.5cm, Capacity: Approximately 310cc (full of water)
Material/white porcelain
Country of origin/JAPAN