Imari Chopsticks Rests
Imari Green tea cupsI got a question from my customer why most Japanese wares are in 5 pieces?
I investigated it and found three reasons as follows.
1. Japanese prefer odd numbers rather than even numbers. We have celebrations on Jan. 1st, March 3rd, May 5th and July 7th. But, we do not have any holidays on Feb. 2nd, Apr. 4th and June 6th…
2. 4 is considered a bad luck number and is connected with “death”.
3. Asymmetrical is good in a tea ceremony. 3 and 5 is better than 4 and 6.
In China, a table is set to mark the 4 points of the compass. They believe it is good luck. Therefore, Chinese ware comes in a set of 4.
It was an interesting story for me. I appreciated my customer giving me a chance to investigate.
I investigated it and found three reasons as follows.
1. Japanese prefer odd numbers rather than even numbers. We have celebrations on Jan. 1st, March 3rd, May 5th and July 7th. But, we do not have any holidays on Feb. 2nd, Apr. 4th and June 6th…
2. 4 is considered a bad luck number and is connected with “death”.
3. Asymmetrical is good in a tea ceremony. 3 and 5 is better than 4 and 6.
In China, a table is set to mark the 4 points of the compass. They believe it is good luck. Therefore, Chinese ware comes in a set of 4.
It was an interesting story for me. I appreciated my customer giving me a chance to investigate.

















