Art + Design From Artists in the Pacific Northwest, Japan and Beyond. | Since 1995
What is The Simple Cup Show?
The show has one mission: to celebrate the wonderful, simple cup. Each year, co-curators invite a list of ceramic artists to create their ode to the cup.
In year's past, clay artists from around North America, UK, Thailand, and Japan have participated.
The annual show takes place at KOBO Gallery at Higo in Japantown, and is a collaboration with Seward Park Clay Studio.
Will the cups be available for purchase?
Yes, at the Opening Reception Lottery (see below), then the next day it is opened up to everyone, in-store at the Japantown location and online.
What is the Opening Reception Lottery?
Come on down to KOBO in Japantown and draw a random number from a box at the Opening Reception, Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 1-2pm. Numbers are called chronologically in groups of ten. Then led to the cup gallery where there is about 10 minutes or so to choose a cup. Take your cup up to staff behind the counter to purchase. This is an exciting event!
A note for First Timers: If you know you'll be purchasing a cup, please fill out a form with your contact info. This info is so we have a record of who purchased the cup. We will not give out your information or send marketing emails, unless you want to be on our list.
What to expect after drawing a lottery number at Opening Reception:
We will start calling numbers to enter the gallery at 2pm. So if you have a bit of a wait, we invite you to mingle with fellow collectors and ceramic artists around the little fire pit in Chiyo's Garden behind KOBO with a cup of hot cider and snacks. Remember, it's November, so dress for the weather! Also, there's a lot to explore in the neighborhood: shopping at Sairen, coffee at Panama Hotel Cafe, snacking at Fuji Bakery, groceries at Uwajimaya. Be back by 1:50pm, because we will start calling numbers at 2pm.
May I take my cup home the same day that I purchase it?
No, we keep the cups for two weeks for others to have a chance to view the entire show.
May I preview the cups prior to the Opening?
Yes. Preview the cups in-person the day before the Opening at KOBO Gallery in Japantown (11/6), and online.
The Opening Reception Lottery event is over, what happens with the remaining cups?
The remaining cups will be available to purchase both in-person and online. *Please note: Cups will be held for two weeks after the opening, then be available for pick-up or shipped.
