Never used. A Japanese tea cup (湯呑, yunomi), which is a traditional style of teacup used for drinking tea. Unlike Western teacups, yunomi are typically taller, without handles, and made from ceramic.
The calligraphy reads: 長寿の心 (Chōju no Kokoro) The Heart of Longevity or The Spirit of Long Life.
- Sincerely saying ‘Yes’. - Apologizing with ‘Excuse me / I’m sorry’ as a reflection. - Humbly saying ‘Thanks to you’. - Serving others by saying ‘I will do it (with gratitude)’. - Showing gratitude by saying ‘Thank you’.
This cup is more than just a vessel, it carries moral and spiritual lessons. The inscriptions remind the drinker to live with:
Gratitude (感謝) Humility (謙虚) Politeness (礼儀) Reflection (反省) Service to others (奉仕)
These values are considered essential for leading a long, fulfilling life in Japanese culture, hence the theme of “The Heart of Longevity.” it describe attitudes and words associated with living a long, happy life. They emphasize humility, gratitude, and politeness — traditional Japanese values believed to contribute to health and longevity.
