Description
Nature’s Simple Objects
The japanese philosophy of sabi perfectly encapsulates the experience of drinking mate from a natural calabash gourd. Sprouted from the raw earth, bursting with rain water, then hollowed and dried, the calabash cup tells a story of time, showing Nature’s marks of imperfections with rusty hues, subtle textures, and cute dimples, across a natural shimmering butter-smooth patina.
We don’t like everything that shines, but we do prefer a pensive lustre to shallow brilliance, a murky light that, whether in a stone or an artefact, bespeaks a sheen of antiquity…. We do love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love the colours and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them.
In Praise of Shadows, Tanizaki
Additional information
It all started with the calabash
Enjoy a handcrafted calabash yerba mate gourd from Argentina. These authentic mate cups are crafted from squash plants specifically grown for yerba mate vessels. In Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay over 90% of the population drink for a calabash mate cup. Each gourd is hand-selected to ensure the best quality. An alpaca silver brim adds a luxurious look and feel to the timeless cup.
Dimensions
- Weight: 65g
- Capacity: 30–35 g / 4.5–6 liq. oz
- Height: 3 in, 7.6 cm
- Body width: 3.25 in, 8.2 cm
- Brim width: 2.25 in, 5.71 cm
- Colorway: Natural
- Type: Copita (smallest version)
Size, shape, and hue may vary as each gourd is unique.
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Allow the Natural Curing Process
No need to cure your cuia with any particular method. The vessel will naturally cure on its own, within three months, depending on your climate (faster in drier weather). Some mold and mildew is perfectly normal, as the excess plant material inside the vessel breaks down with use. After several weeks, you’ll notice a uniform dark hue and the cuia will begin to dry rapidly after each use. Most mate drinkers continue to use the cuia throughout the entire process, but you may also alternate between vessels during this process. If you are totally against mold and oxidation, then we recommend you select a metal or wooden vessel.