Handcrafted Teacup: 180ml (6.09fl oz), diameter: 2.76inches (7cm)
height: 3.35inches (8.5cm)
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Shohoh Itoh at Shohoh Kiln

This Yunomi is created by the traditional technique known as ICCHIN and KOHCHI. ICCHIN technique, much-prized in the Japanese tea ceremony, is to edge each pattern, placing a fine border of clay around each design. This limits the flowing of glaze or pigment and allows the artisan to create a graceful, vivid pattern. There is no brush unevenness and the surface is smooth and glossy like stained glass, which is the most desirable characteristic of the KOHCHI technique. KOHCHI porcelain has an indescribable noble and graceful atmosphere; its creation requires great care and a fine touch.

HISHOH means fluttering high in Japanese. TSURU cranes gracefully flapping their wings are dynamically painted on the surface of this Yunomi, evoking an elegant atmosphere.

In Japan, the crane is a symbol of good fortune because it represents long life. The cranes elegantly and gracefully flapping their wings, express prosperity and development. Viewing the cranes’ charming faces creates a relaxing atmosphere.

KOHAKU, red and white, are traditional colors of celebration in Japan. The white color is also said to mean holiness and purity in Japan since ancient times.

The white color is uniformly painted without brush unevenness and the white cranes painted on top are very elegant.

SHOHCHIKUBAI is also drawn on the surface. SHOHCHIKUBAI means MATSU, TAKE and UME in Japanese. MATSU pine tree and TAKE bamboo symbolize good health since the pine tree needles and TAKE bamboo are green year-round. UME plum, which is the symbol of nobleness and longevity in Japan, is also one of the auspicious objects, because the lively UME plum tree vigorously blooms in the early cold spring, earlier than other flowers.

The base is carefully scraped away and finished with a traditional method found only among highest quality porcelain.

In Japan, the highest quality Kyo Yaki porcelain such as this is purchased with the intent that it will be passed down from generation to generation. It is also suitable for display, for example, in an office or library. It depends upon your vision and preference.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free.
Made in Japan.
(Please note that there are individual differences in each piece and each piece is unique, due to the features of this work.)