HAKEME no YUNOMI (handcrafted Teacup: pair)

Handcrafted teacup: 90ml (3.17fl oz) each, diameter: 3.74inch (9.5cm) height: 1.77inch (4.5cm)
Sophisticated Shigaraki-Yaki
Made by Hozan Tanii

For this item, the artist Mr. Tanii imagined a scene where a genial zephyr (wind) gently stirs the grass, which sways in the soft warm sunlight, and created this Yunomi. White brush lines represent waves of grass in a pleasant breeze. And the faint atmospheric green color on the white brush lines bring to life the genial zephyr and the sunlight. The basic soil which appears at the bottom expresses a generosity of the earth.

White brush lines are created by a technique called soil composition. White soil is coated on basic soil by a brush made with straw. Mr. Tanii makes this special brush for this Yunomi. Basic soil is reddish soil containing large amounts of iron. The faint atmospheric green color is called BEEDORO glaze, which is one of the glazes traditionally used for Shigaraki Yaki.

Your eye will also focus on the bottom of the Yunomi, on which the earthen surface appears. It is called "Tsuchi Mise" meaning "showing soil" and is one of the most traditional and difficult techniques used for the highest grade Raku Yaki matcha bowls. The earthen surface is finished with a rough texture in order to create the WABI-SABI atmosphere. To create this unique texture, some efforts and techniques are required, for example unique innovations of clay blending and shaping.

Of course, from a functional viewpoint this Yunomi is well thought out and of an ideal design. This Yunomi is thin ceramic in order to enjoy the subtle flavor of high quality Japanese tea, which tastes best when served in a thin ceramic cup. Most Shigaraki Yaki pottery is too thick to enjoy high quality Japanese tea. To create thin Shigaraki Yaki requires many efforts. For example, Hozan Tanii collects his own clay from the mountain, and is continuously experimenting with new ceramic and glaze formulations and techniques to perfect his designs.

Upon using this Yunomi, one feels an atmosphere as if the mind is unleashed in the scene where the genial zephyr gently stirs the grass, which sways in the soft warm sunlight.

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