Korean Wood-fired Porcelain Espresso Cup, Cat and Bird Motif

This Korean wood-fired porcelain espresso cup by Kimo An of Tousanyo combines a compact contemporary form with playful, hand-drawn decoration. Its broad foot, gently narrowed body, and generous loop handle give the small vessel a sturdy, sculptural presence despite its intimate scale.

The porcelain has a soft, milky-white surface with subtle speckling and tonal variation produced through wood firing. Rather than appearing perfectly uniform, the surface retains slight shifts in color and texture that reflect the movement of flame and ash through the kiln. These variations give the cup an individual character and add warmth to the refined porcelain body.

A loosely rendered cat and bird motif is drawn across the surface in spare brown lines. The imagery has an almost calligraphic quality, relying on a few expressive gestures rather than detailed illustration. As the cup is turned in the hand, the motif gradually reveals itself, making the decoration feel animated and closely tied to the experience of using the vessel.

Kimo An’s cup balances utility with humor and informality. The combination of wood-fired porcelain, robust proportions, and spontaneous animal imagery gives it a distinctive character: a functional everyday object that also feels personal, tactile, and quietly playful.

Dimensions: opening diameter 1.5" x W 3 including the handle x H 1.75"

About Kimo An of Tousanyo: Based in Gimhae, South Korea, ceramist An has been handcrafting distinctive ceramic ware for decades, using traditional wood-firing methods in his studio named Tousanyo.