Wakasa Chopsticks
Imari Chopsticks Rests
Imari Green tea cups
Imari Sake 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.
7 comments:
hello...
isn't feb 2nd setsubun no hi?
So what happens if you break one teacup in a set of five? Do you break one more to get 3? Or throw out the whole set?
Indra: Hello to you too!
Anon: It's Feb. 3rd.
sparris: Get another whole set. The new one will be used for guests and the old one will be used for daily use.
Thanks, Yutaka
Does this set always go in five pieces? Is the number significant or it has some meaning with it.
Most probably or you just throw the whole thing out and buy a new set 😊
Give the remaining set with 4 cups to your Chinese friend as their tea set usually comes with 4 cups anyway! 😁
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