Why We Love It
This authentic Bizen ware teacup set features two handcrafted yunomi high cups in a custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist making it the perfect gift for tea lovers.
Bizen ware is one of the most remarkable Japanese pottery. Usually not glazed, Bizen-yaki has a natural appearance. The rusticity of Bizen-yaki has been appreciated for centuries for its wabi sabi nature: unique, austere, imperfect, gaining charm and beauty with time and use.
Inside the ancient cave kiln, pine tree ash flies and sticks to the clay, adding a natural glaze to the surface. The enigmatic decor of this yunomi set is named sangiri (桟切り) and is a distinctive feature of Bizen-yaki. During reduction firing, the flow of air may be obstructed, and the embers fall on the pottery. The chemical reaction between the iron contained in the clay and the carbon from the embers give birth to exquisite natural glaze nuances, from gunmetal grey to blue, and even white.
Why Choose Teacups from Bizen
Bizen-yaki (備前焼) is a type of pottery created in the city of Bizen, in Okayama prefecture. Bizen is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns and the development of these kilns and techniques have been carefully preserved, representing a vital contribution to Japan’s traditional arts.
In the 16th century, Bizen-yaki gained the favor of Sen no Rikyu, the famous master of the tea ceremony, for its wabi-sabi aesthetics. This notion of wabi-sabi is a key concept in Japanese sensibility: the appreciation of the ephemeral beauty of an imperfect object, which becomes more beautiful as time passes, and consequently acquires its own charm and an untranslatable idea of serenity.
Working with Bizen clay requires master craftsmanship to shape the wares and position them expertly inside the anagama climbing kiln. During the long wood-firing process, the artisans don’t touch the wares, so it takes years of experience to know how to place the ceramics in the kiln to achieve the greatest outcome. The final appearance of each piece is not entirely predictable, making every dish or teacup wholly original and unique. Making Bizen pottery is so arduous that most kilns only do a firing once or twice a year, or even less.
These teacups are handcrafted by ceramic artist Toshiaki Mori at the Hozan Kiln in the town of Bizen. A direct descendant from the six Bizen-yaki potter families, Mori-san is the 19th generation master artisan, who not only was selected and received awards at various national ceramics exhibitions, but also exhibited his works internationally, in the USA, UK, and Taiwan.
Caring For Your Bizen Ware Teacups
After use, the yunomi set should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water, which will help it to dry faster. To preserve the delicate surface of the teacups, do not wash them in the dishwasher.
Details
- Yunomi teacup set, comprising two ceramic cups
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- Includes custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist
- Sangiri technique
- As each handmade product is unique, there will be differences in size, color, and pattern from the photographs above.
- Cup size: Ø 3¼” (8.5cm), height 3” (7.5cm), capacity 7½ fl.oz (220ml)
- Product code: 93201SG
We are committed to providing fast and reliable delivery worldwide. All our products are shipped directly from Japan, with tracking provided for every order.
United States
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- EXPRESS 3–5 days: Your shipping rate is shown at checkout.
European Union & United Kingdom
- STANDARD · VAT & duties not included · 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99. Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery.
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Sending a gift? Choose Express to ensure your recipient has no import charges to pay.
Other Destinations
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- Canada, Australia, Middle East & East Asia · 3–5 days: FREE Express shipping on orders over $99.
- New Zealand & India · Within 1 week: FREE shipping on orders over $199.
- Japan · Next business day: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Taiwan: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Other countries · 4–5 days: Shipping rates shown at checkout.
All delivery times are estimates in business days from dispatch.
If you would like to return your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns within 30 days of receiving your order.
Please note the following conditions for our 30-day return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location. We will confirm the return address for you.
- Discounted items or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- Original taxes, duties, and outward shipping costs—the full amount we paid to the carrier, including on orders with free shipping—will be deducted from the refund. This includes VAT collected at checkout for EU & UK Express shipping.
- The customer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses and duvets, mattress/duvet covers, or tatami mats.
How do I claim my return?
- Please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order.
- We will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
- Please return the item folded in its original packaging to the address we provide.
- Please send your return by normal mail (not courier), marking “Returned Items” on the customs form when returning to Japan. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) or do not mark “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be charged. These may be payable by you or deducted from your refund where permitted by law.
- Once we receive the returned item and confirm its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue your refund, subject to the deductions described above.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
For change-of-mind returns, the original outward shipping cost paid to the carrier will be deducted from your refund, including on orders that qualified for free shipping. You are also responsible for return shipping costs.
If your order arrived damaged, we will cover both the original and any required return shipping costs.
If a package is refused due to unpaid duties or taxes, outbound and return shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an eligible, unused and undamaged item, you can follow the return process above and order your replacement through our website.
Alternatively, when you contact us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement. We will hold it for you until we receive your return, subject to availability. Additional shipping costs may apply.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally, items may be damaged in transit. If your item arrives damaged, we're here to help:
- Please contact us as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of receipt. This helps us make a claim with the shipping company.
- Please keep the damaged item and its packaging, and send us some photos of the damage.
- We will arrange a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
The requested 48-hour notification period does not affect your statutory rights.
How long will my refund take?
We will process your refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item. Your payment provider may take additional time to credit your account.
