This Hagi-yaki (萩焼) little tea cup, made in the form of a Kikōhai (聞香杯), is a refined and understated vessel traditionally used to appreciate the aroma of tea before drinking. Tall and slender in profile, it is designed to concentrate fragrance, inviting a quiet moment of sensory focus that aligns beautifully with Japanese tea culture.
The surface is finished with a soft, milky-white glaze characteristic of Hagi ware, flowing gently down the cup in vertical streaks of pale blue-grey and warm, earthy tones. These natural drips and subtle color variations are the result of the firing process and embody the spontaneous beauty for which Hagi pottery is renowned. Fine crazing (kan’nyū) can be seen in the glaze, a hallmark of Hagi-yaki that deepens over time as tea is enjoyed, gradually enriching the cup with character.
The form is simple yet elegant, with slightly tapering walls and a modest foot that gives the cup stability without distraction. The contrast between the smooth glazed surface and the faintly visible clay beneath adds depth and warmth, making the piece pleasant both to hold and to contemplate.
This Hagi-yaki Kikōhai is a quiet, poetic object—perfect for tea lovers who appreciate subtle craftsmanship, tactile beauty, and the philosophy of wabi-sabi, where use, time, and imperfection enhance rather than diminish value.
