Hanazume Houhin Japanese Teapot Set with 5 Tea cups

This Japanese teapot set comprises a houhin, a yuzamashi and five tea cups handpainted by Taka Toshifumi. All pieces feature the vibrant yet delicate hanazume patterns on a black background. Hanazume, meaning "filled with flowers," showcases an array of elegantly detailed floral designs. Among the diverse flowers, gold embellishments emit a subtle shimmer. The overall aesthetic exudes a refined, sophisticated quality. 

A houhin is a teapot without a handle and is designed to brew premium quality Japanese tea leaves that need to be infused at lower temperatures. The triangular cup is called a yuzamashi which is a small pitcher used to cool boiled hot water to the appropriate temperature suited to make aromatic and rich tea. 

While inheriting the hanazume style, Taka Toshifumi has also incorporated his own insights and innovations. He preserves the traditional hanazume motifs at the heart of his pieces, surrounding them with his original designs. In the past, the colors of the flowers were highly saturated and quite deep in hue. Taka skillfully blends traditional opulence with contemporary aesthetics, aiming for visual harmony while ensuring that the overall effect is not too intense for today’s audience.

He also introduces creative variations in the shapes of the flowers. The combination of black and gold imparts a sophisticated, classic aura, while the use of lighter colors for the flowers lends the overall design a modern, airy feel, making it more vibrant and breathable.

Taka Toshifumi

Taka Toshifumi's works, while preserving and inheriting the classic artistry of Kutani ware such as the shoza style, kinsai, and hanazume, also emphasize the importance of integrating personal creativity. His pieces not only embody the cultural richness and depth of traditional craftsmanship but also captivate with the allure brought about by continuous innovation and exploration.

Kutani ware is a 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.

The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.