IGA HAIYU Yunomi - pair (handcrafted Teacup)

Handcrafted Teacup: pair: 230ml (7.78fl oz) each, diameter: 3.54inches (9cm) height: 3.74inches (9.5cm)
Traditional Iga Yaki (Iga pottery)
Made by Manabu Atarashi

IGA HAIYU Yunomi have a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, which are created by the traditional technique known as Iga Yaki. The form and glaze look strong and rough, yet when you look more closely, you will notice all the delicate details and become infatuated with the beauty of these Yunomi.

These Yunomi are made in Iga city in Mie prefecture. Iga Yaki started around the 12th century in Japan. This type of ceramic is known for its excellent resistance to heat, and because of this, it is a popular choice for Japanese clay pot cooking and tableware. It is characterized by the vitreous glaze called BEEDORO, which is produced by firing at high temperatures, and the rustic and strong texture. Iga Yaki is said to be very similar to Shigaraki Yaki, but it is heavier and harder.

The artisan Manabu Atarashi forms these Yunomi strongly and carefully. The slightly flared and waved rim fits the mouth perfectly when drinking tea, and also engenders a unique atmosphere. The trace on the hip of these Yunomi is known as ROKUROME, which is left by the artisan’s fingers or a paddle, when the pieces are formed on the pottery wheel. The shape of this ROKUROME is waved and it adds accent to the cup. Each aspect of these Yunomi has been carefully created by Manabu Atarashi.

He shaves the KOHDAI base and the inside of these Yunomi, strongly, boldly and meticulously. The form is uneven, yet in perfect balance, which evokes elegance. Burst feldspars look pebbly and shiny, accenting the rough and natural surface texture.

HAIYU means ash glaze in Japanese. This HAIYU ash glaze produces an elegant pale green color as shown in the pictures. The brown and reddish color like fire is created by a fine coating of ash on the clay. It is called HIIRO, which means fire color in Japanese. The ash glaze and HIIRO are the main features of these Yunomi. The beautiful gradation of matte white gray and green color is created during firing.

You’ll find BEEDORO glaze inside of these Yunomi. The BEEDORO glaze is thick at the ROKUROME and it looks like a vitreous light green line. BEEDORO glaze accumulates at the bottom of the inside and it is bluish dark green. This sparkly vitreous bluish dark green has a charm that is quite fascinating. Asymmetric ROKUROME changes the flow and color density of the glaze and gives a deeper impression of IGA YAKI HAIYU Yunomi.

The beauty of the asymmetric form will fascinate you. The outside, especially the lower portion, is rough, yet the inside has a gentle atmosphere. The contrast between the strong red color, and the soft white and green colors, is striking and very unique. These Yunomi evoke a range of different characters and atmospheres.

Considering the artisan's effort, techniques, and sophisticated design, these Yunomi are worth much more than the price, which is surprisingly reasonable. Once you hold these Yunomi in your hands, you can see and feel all the elaborate details of the artisan's work. These Yunomi will bring tranquility and joy to your tea time and certainly expand your green moment.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.

(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)