A beautiful Japanese meoto yunomi set (夫婦湯呑) by Gakō-gama / Gakō Kiln (雅幸窯), presented in its original signed wooden box. The box is inscribed 組湯呑 (kumi-yunomi), referring to a coordinated pair of tea cups.
The two cups share the same overall design while differing in color and size: the larger cup is finished in a vivid turquoise-green glaze, while the smaller cup is decorated in a warm vermillion red. Both feature a white central band with freely painted cobalt-blue decoration and small accents of red, yellow and green, giving the pair a lively yet balanced appearance.
One of the most charming details is hidden inside the cups, where an expressive sea-creature motif appears in cobalt-blue underglaze. The playful marine design only becomes fully visible when looking into the cup, adding an unexpected and whimsical element to the otherwise refined exterior.
A gold label on the larger cup reads 「高級 手がき 雅幸窯」, indicating high-grade hand-painted ware from 雅幸窯. The slight variations in the brushwork contribute to the individuality and warmth of the set.
The accompanying leaflet introduces the ceramic traditions of Hizen (肥前), particularly Hasami-yaki (波佐見焼) and Arita-yaki (有田焼). This region of Kyushu has long been one of Japan’s most important porcelain-producing areas, celebrated for its luminous white porcelain and distinctive painted decoration.
As a 夫婦湯呑 (meoto yunomi) set, the pair traditionally consists of one larger and one smaller cup, symbolizing companionship and harmony. Such sets have long been popular in Japan as gifts for weddings, anniversaries and couples.
Size: 7 x 7 x 9cm (L)
6.5 x 6.5 x 8cm (S)
