Sencha cup with poem c. 19th century

This set of five "Sencha" cups, created by Japanese poet and artist Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) in the 19th century, exemplifies the delicate artistry of the Edo period. Each cup, crafted with fine white porcelain, features intricate carvings that depict a poem written by the artist herself. Rengetsu, a prominent figure in the tea ceremony tradition, infused her work with poetic sentimentality, creating these cups as vessels for both aesthetic and literary appreciation. The cups' small size, measuring 1 5/8 × 2 9/16 × 2 1/2 in., underscores their intimate nature, making them ideal for sharing a contemplative moment with a cherished cup of tea.