Sakura Japanese Tea Cup

Featuring the distinctive nami-yu glaze, derived from the ashes of the Kyoto forest, this Japanese tea cup from Tosen Kiln showcases a natural creamy-white clay color. This piece is beautifully enhanced by the hand-painted depiction of graceful weeping sakura, cherry blossoms of Gion, Kyoto, which are emblematic of Kyoto’s unique atmosphere.

The delicate pink and pale green hues of the cherry blossoms elegantly contrast with the yellowish cream white color of the Kiyomizu ware base. Crafted in the shape of a delicate plum flower, the tea cup's design adds a layer of softness to the depicted cherry blossoms. 

The cherry blossoms are meticulously hand-painted one by one onto the unglazed surface of the tea cup by artisans with a profound understanding of Japanese-style painting. 

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 renowned pottery styles from Kyoto, blending techniques from across Japan. Each piece is handcrafted with exceptional modeling and intricate painting. 

These ceramics are celebrated for their refined artistry and elegance, reflecting traditional Japanese culture. Known for their vibrant designs, they were officially recognized as a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1977. Today, they are highly prized for their artistic quality, combining historical craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication.