Tokusa Patterned Yunomi Japanese Teacup

Featuring the distinctive nami-yu glaze, derived from the ashes of the Kyoto forest, this teacup embodies a natural base color of cream white and is enhanced by the elegantly adapted tokusa (horsetail) design, craftsperson Taniguchi's innovative approach to traditional patterns. 

In this rendition, the tokusa design comes to life through two different color combinations. One teacup features hand-drawn lines in red and blue, which impart warmth and depth. While the other teacup showcases a blue-toned tokusa pattern, with its slender and uniform lines contrasting exquisitely against the creamy-white stoneware. 

Intentional dents on the bisque's surface add uniqueness, breaking away from a strictly round form and providing a tactile experience.

As you rotate the cup, the tokusa design unfolds, showcasing Taniguchi's skillful adaptation of the traditionally blue pattern. The hand-painted lines grace the exterior, extending into the interior of the teacup, countering its white simplicity and revealing a single camellia flower at the center. This meticulous direct painting on bisqued clay demands mastery rare among artisans.

Tosen Kiln

Tosen Kiln was founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler. In 1944, it established a production studio in Mukomachi, a suburb of Kyoto, marking the beginning of full-scale Kiyomizu ware production. Today, the kiln operates in Gojo, Kyoto, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship.

Dedicated to refining its techniques and artistic sensibilities, Tosen Kiln embraces Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship while adapting it for the modern era. Drawing inspiration from Edo-period master potter Nonomura Ninsei, it preserves his precise lathing techniques and luminous painting styles, blending them with clean lines and warm tones to create pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware, collectively known as Kyo-yaki or Kiyomizu-yaki, are esteemed crafts from Kyoto. Unlike other pottery styles, they integrate various techniques from across Japan, resulting in unique, handmade pieces. Each item is crafted meticulously, from shaping on the pottery wheel to intricate painting, showcasing exceptional modeling skills and delicate designs.

With a rich history intertwined with traditional Japanese culture, Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware are celebrated for their refined artistry and elegance. Known for their vibrant and detailed paintings, they were officially recognized as a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1977. Today, these ceramics are prized for their high artistic quality, embodying both historical craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication.