Japanese Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups with Simulated Basket Weave | Contemporary Studio Ware

Dimensions: 2-1/4”h x 2-1/4”dia

Offered is a wonderful and unusual pair of Porcelain teacups for which this type is referred to as Yunomi, (a handle-less cylindrical shape cut for drinking hot water). They were made in Northern Japan which are made for drinking hot Sencha tea having a double wall to keep the liquid warm and exterior touch comfortable while drinking, and made to also keep the hand warm in cold weather. Each has a wonderful variegated color, and basket weave textured surface that is wonderful to the touch. The method employed to produce a horizontal design that simulates a type of weaving as employed here, allows a certain range of freedom in the overall decoration. The texturing process is made by adding coils to a cylinder and rolling the design onto the surface of the clay. The final step is the coloration which in this case is a dark black-reddish brown color that is lighter in the center adding a vermillion color to give emphasis. The interior has a smooth fine white Porcelain finish making it easy to refresh for the next cup of tea. They are dishwasher-proof. There is no indication of the maker or studio that produced the set.

NOTE: Some folks use the size of a cup for sake, but as the Japanese say, once you use a cup to serve a specific substance you can never interchange it with another liquid substance for the cup marries to that surface. Now, of course, porcelain as with this pair of cups is a little different because the interior surface is impermeable.

Condition: Excellent, original condition, and retains the original craft/workmanship. There is no discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage. New, never used after purchasing them 25 years ago.