Vintage item never used. A pair of handcrafted Hagi-yaki (萩焼) tea cups, known as yunomi (湯呑), created by Tsubaki Shūen (椿秀窯) of Hagi Tōen (萩陶苑) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Each cup displays the traditional elegance of Hagi ware, characterized by soft, natural glazing and subtle color transitions from pale blue to pinkish beige. The surface has a slightly crackled glaze — a signature of Hagi-yaki that develops character with use as it absorbs tea and ages gracefully.
Hagi ware traces its origins to the early 17th century when Korean potters introduced their techniques to Japan under the patronage of the feudal Mori clan. Renowned for its warm, rustic beauty and subtly changing glaze tones, Hagi-yaki is treasured by tea masters and collectors alike. Its hallmark feature, the “Hagi no nanabake” (萩の七化け, “seven transformations of Hagi”), refers to the evolving patina and crackle pattern that develop with use over time — a testament to the wabi-sabi philosophy of impermanence and beauty in aging.
The cups rest on slightly raised bases, adding refinement and balance to their form. They come in their original wooden presentation box (tomobako, 共箱), inscribed with calligraphy indicating the kiln and artist’s name, along with a paper insert detailing the history and characteristics of Hagi ware.
Size: 7 x 7 x 9cm (L) 6.5 x 6.5 x 8.5cm (S) 12 x 19 x 9.5cm (Box)
