[Japan-exclusive series developed exclusively for Japan] This collection features the iconic design 'Mariathesia' from the Vienna Porcelain Workshop Augarten, known for being used as a bridal item by Empress Masako, and has been simply arranged for everyday use, with the motto 'Bringing Augarten celebrated as exceptional white into everyday life.' Why not enjoy tea time at the tea manners once popularized in Europe's renowned courts? Maria Theresa's design is a simple and weighty work colored only with the colors of fir wood, a symbol of hunting popular in the 18th century, featuring elegant floral motifs. It was originally given as a dinner set at the Augarten Palace, which was then Empress Mariathesia's hunting castle, and was named in honor of Empress Mariathery, who was a great supporter of Augarten. Even today, it remains beloved worldwide. A Japanese cup you can freely enjoy by combining it with your own tea bowl or small plate. Because we offer only cups, depending on the combination, they can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday use to hospitality. −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− In 1718, during the heyday of the Habsburg family, the Vienna Porcelain Workshop was founded. This marks the beginning of the Augarten kiln. This is also the world's first kiln to make coffee cups from porcelain. In 1744, Empress Maria Theresa commissioned the Habsburg royal family's kiln, and since then, all products made in this workshop as the 'Imperial Vienna Porcelain Workshop' have been branded with the two horizontal shields—the Habsburg family coat of arms—as trademarks. During this era, Rococo-style landscapes and porcelain figurines created by the leading French painter Watteau were actively produced, and even today, Rococo-style porcelain from Vienna porcelain workshops is highly prized by collectors. One of the representative styles born during this era is 'Maria Theresa.' It was presented as a dinner set at the Augarten Palace, which was Maria Theresa's hunting lodge, as a tribute to the Empress. The elegant floral patterns remain highly popular even today. Afterwards, Augarten continued to fire porcelain for royalty and nobility, and developed new techniques such as melting 24-karat gold powder in liquid to coat porcelain, earning the reputation of being 'the world's best in technology and quality' by the late 18th century. With the decline of the Habsburgs, Augarten was temporarily closed for about 60 years starting in 1864, but in 1924, the workshop was moved to the former hunting lodge of Maria Theresa, the Augarten Palace, and the name was revived as Vienna Porcelain Workshop Augarten. Even now, all products are handmade by skilled artisans in traditional handmade fashion, so production volume is limited. It is precisely because of this unwavering commitment that the "life of the Augarten" is preserved.