Total New, never used. A vintage yunomi tea cup is a fine example of Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼), a traditional Kyoto pottery style renowned for its elegance and refined craftsmanship.
Kiyomizu-yaki is one of Kyoto’s most famous types of pottery, with its origins dating back to the late 16th–early 17th century. It is named after the Kiyomizu (清水) area near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where many pottery workshops were historically clustered. Kyoto was the cultural and imperial capital, Kiyomizu potters had close ties to aristocrats, tea masters, and temples, producing highly artistic works tailored for tea ceremony, dining, and daily life.
The cup is finished with a beautiful 冰裂釉 (Hyo-retsu, crackle glaze), creating a delicate network of fine lines across its surface. This natural crackling effect is a cherished feature in Japanese ceramics, symbolizing the beauty of imperfection and the passage of time. Adorned with traditional motifs in deep cobalt blue and accented with bold red calligraphy, the piece embodies both subtle grace and striking character. Its smooth, rounded form fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing the tactile pleasure of enjoying tea.
