Hand wash with warm water and a soft cloth or sponge – avoiding excessive rubbing. Use a mild washing-up liquid as necessary. After draining, pat dry with a towel or leave to dry naturally. Do not put in dishwasher, dryer or microwave as this may damage the glaze.
Teacup Pair
Genji Monogatari
Ichiraku
SKU
1587
A beautiful pair of his and hers Yunomi teacups decorated with scenes from the foremost work of Japanese literature: Genji Monogatari (源氏物語). Handmade at the Ichiraku Kiln in Kyoto, renowned for their exemplary Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics. Comes protected in a traditional Japanese wooden box, perfect as a wedding present.
| Product | Teacup pair set |
| Ceramic Style | Kyo-/Kiyomizu-yaki |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Studio | Ichiraku-gama 壹楽窯 |
| Volume | 175ml, 230ml |
| Dimensions | Ø7.1 x 8.5cm, Ø7.3 x 9.2cm |
| Weight | 150g, 160g |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Decoration | Handpainted illustrations, gold |
| Artist's mark | Signature on base |
| Packaging | Wooden box (Kiribako) |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore sizing and finish may vary slightly
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.
Meoto Yunomi 夫婦 湯のみ
Popular wedding gifts, Meoto or “husband and wife” Yunomi are a pair of matching Japanese teacups where one is often smaller that the other and/or has a different colour scheme of the same design. The tall, cylindrical Yunomi is typically made of ceramic and without a handle, ideal for daily, casual drinking of all types of tea (with the exception of matcha, which is best served in a Chawan tea bowl). Please use both hands when drinking from a Yunomi: one hand around the cup to hold it, and the other underneath to support. Since Japanese teas are served at temperatures below 80°C (175°F), the Yunomi should not be too hot to handle, and will provide extra warmth to the hands during the colder months. For this reason, Japanese teas that are served at higher temperatures, such as Hojicha, Genmaicha, and Bancha are particularly recommended for Yunomi.
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.
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