Kokuzou Kiln Camellia Kutani Yunomi Japanese Teacup
This tea cup collection features four vibrant colors: blue, yellow, green, and red, each adorned with a camellia flower motif. Camellias, often symbolizing the arrival of spring in Japanese haiku poetry, are gracefully depicted by the artist against these varied base colors. Utilizing these colorful tea cups on the dining table brings the essence of spring into one's home, adding a touch of seasonal vibrancy.
The green, blue, and yellow tea cups showcase a unique coloring technique. As the ceramics cool after being removed from the kiln, the different contraction rates between the surface glaze and the ceramic body create intricate, ice-crack-like patterns. This process mirrors the transition from winter to spring, where the warming weather slowly melts and cracks the ice, coinciding with the blooming of camellias. This dynamic imagery on the tea cups vividly captures the essence of spring, transforming the cup walls into a canvas that reflects the changing seasons.
Kokuzou Kiln, known for gentle and warm stoneware with beautiful colors and elegant design, continue to create everyday tableware into something more special. This craftsmanship, known as Kutani ware, has been highly popular since the Meiji era (1868 CE – 1912 CE), both domestically and internationally. This teacup is meticulously handcrafted, undergoing 12 to 14 steps before it graces us.
The size of this teacup is 320 ml (10.8 oz) just right to be cradled by two hands. After a busy day's work or life's challenges, the warmth of the hot coffee slowly seeps through the rounded cup walls, spreading into the palms, and eventually, this comforting warmth flows into your heart, dispelling all weariness.
Unlike ordinary cups, the rim of this teacup features graceful curves, adding an extra layer of enjoyment during use. Inside the teacups, you can also see the parts of the camellia and enjoy the beautiful flower while you are drinking.
This teacup holds many more surprises within. There are inconspicuous black spots on the inside, and it is these randomly occurring dots that give the cup its unique personality. Furthermore, this teacup exhibits excellent water absorption, and over time, after repeated use for enjoying coffee or tea, the cup's interior develops subtle, varying marks, akin to the rings of a tree, recording the passage of time and the moments this cup has shared with us.
Note:
You may find small pink spots known as gohonde on the surface of this item. The iron in the material creates natural spots after being fired in the kiln. The appearance of gohonde actually expresses that the item has been properly fired, and its precious beauty is highly regarded amongst craftsmen.
Please enjoy the beauty of gohonde as a unique feature of this item.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: D 10 cm (3.9 in) x H 8 cm (3.1 in)
- Capacity: 320 ml (10.8 oz)
- Material: Stoneware - Kutani ware
- Origin: Made in Japan
- Brand: Kokuzou Kiln
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ABOUT KOKUZOU KILN
Their atelier is located at the foot of the historic Kokuzo mountain in the traditional land of Kutani.
It requires about three weeks to make a tableware out of clay through multiple processes. They spare no effort in their work, paying great attention to every detail.
Unlike manufactured products, each piece of tableware is handmade and sold in an integrated process, so that the warmth of the earth and the heart of the craftsman reside in each piece.
"Warmth of handmade pottery"
The Kokuzou Kiln uses the traditional techniques of Kutani ware to make a modern and new style of Kutani ware.
Their products are exclusively handcrafted and hand-painted, characterized by unique shapes, innovative and colorful designs.
The core of the brand's manufacturing is to create products that are pleasing to the eye, enjoyable to use, and whose presence enriches people's lives. They are committed to manufacturing with the belief that their pottery will be close to their customers and bring color and comfort to their daily lives and dining tables.
About kutani ware
Kutani ware is a type of pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years.
It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines.
Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.
In the early 1700s, the Kutani kilns were closed, but about 80 years later they were opened and Kutani ware was revived.
The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.
