Japanese blue-and-white pottery is known as Sometsuke, literally “dye applied”, because the colour was likened to traditional indigo-dyed linen. The ceramics are decorated by hand, stencil or transfer-print with a blue pigment, traditionally cobalt oxide, over which a transparent glaze is then applied, and once fired the underglaze decorations become a vivid shade of blue. This method originated during China’s Song dynasty (960-1279) and is believed to have been perfected around the beginning of the Ming dynasty in the 14th century. Blue-and-white pottery was introduced to Japan at the start of the 17th century in the form of export Tianqi or Ko-Sometsuke ("Old Sometsuke") porcelain from Jingdezhen, which was imitated in the kilns at Arita before spreading to other areas including Kyoto, Seto, Hasami and Mikawachi, each developing their own unique variations of Sometsuke.
Teacup Set of 5
Obisansui
Ichiraku
SKU
4322
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
A set of five porcelain teacups adorned with classic blue and white Sansui (山水 "mountain and water") landscape painting. Handmade at the Ichiraku Kiln in Kyoto, renowned for their exemplary Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics. Comes in a traditional Japanese wooden box, perfect for Senchadō ceremonies or as a gift.
| Product | 5-piece Teacup Set |
| Ceramic Style | Kyo-/Kiyomizu-yaki |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Studio | Ichiraku-gama 壹楽窯 |
| Volume | 150ml |
| Dimensions | Ø8.5cm x 6cm |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Decoration | Handpainted blue and white Sansui |
| Artist's mark | Signature on base |
| Packaging | Wooden box (Kiribako) |
Each item is handmade and unique, therefore sizing is approximate and paintings may differ slightly from the product photos
In stock
Ichiraku 壹楽
Yamamoto Ichiraku (山本 壹楽) was born in Kyoto in 1958 and after completing his studies was apprenticed to his Father: the first generation master of the Ichiraku kiln. In 1990 he inherited the family kiln and in 2010 was certified as a traditional artisan (伝統工芸士). Ichiraku specialises in traditional Kiyomizu-yaki porcelain, ranging from classic blue-and-white painting to colourful patterns and motifs.
Kumidashi 汲み出し
The Kumidashi is a short, light, handle-free teacup traditionally used to serve Sencha during Senchadō: the Japanese leaf tea ceremony (as opposed to Sadō for matcha powdered green tea). Kumidashi with mouths that spread outwards are particularly suitable for high-grade teas as the shape helps to amplify the aroma. Often sold in sets of five, Kumidashi are the choice of teacup when entertaining guests.
Kyo-yaki 京焼
Both Kyo- and Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) are general terms, often used together or interchangeably, to refer to pottery produced in Kyoto, covering a variety of different styles. Historically Kiyomizu-yaki exclusively referred to pottery made on the road leading up to the ancient Kiyomizu Temple – now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Typical Kyoto wares are decorated with colourful hand-painted motifs using overglaze enamel pigments: a technique that appeared in the 17th century and is still a hallmark of Kyo-yaki today. From 794 to 1603 Kyoto was the imperial capital, attracting the most skilled artisans across the country. Even after the seat of government moved to Edo, present day Tokyo, Kyoto continued to be the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan.
