{"product_id":"otafuku-tea-cup","title":"Tea Cup - Otafuku - Good Fortune","description":"\u003cp\u003eTea cup with the face of Otafuku, a famous folk tale character, painted on the inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.8cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging: \u003c\/strong\u003eNo box, it will be shipped in protective wrapping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Symbolism of Otafuku\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtafuku (お多福), also known as Okame (おかめ), is a traditional Japanese character often depicted as a plump, cheerful woman with round cheeks and a smiling face. She originates from folk tales, Noh theater, and Shinto rituals, where she symbolizes good fortune, fertility, and humour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChawan with Otafuku's face painted inside became particularly popular in Edo-period Japan (1603–1868), although versions may have existed earlier. These bowls are often folk ware, associated with regional pottery styles like Seto, Mino, or Karatsu. This whimsical style fits into the broader tradition of \u003cem\u003emingei\u003c\/em\u003e (folk art), which values handmade, utilitarian objects that embody regional culture and craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOtafuku\u003c\/em\u003e literally means “much good fortune” or “great happiness.” The kanji on the lip of the bowl is the character 福 which means “fortune”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eWhile these style bowls are typically made as \u003cem\u003echawan\u003c\/em\u003e (matcha bowls), these smaller cups are ideal for tea or as a small rice bowl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WAZA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51697065132347,"sku":null,"price":390.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1138\/0968\/files\/P4290072_waza.jpg?v=1789567894","url":"https:\/\/www.wazashop.co.za\/products\/otafuku-tea-cup","provider":"WAZA Japan Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}