Hagi Ware Yunomi Tea Cups Pair with Signed Box, Japanese Pottery Set, Gradient Glaze Hagi Yaki, Traditional Ceramic Gift

This exquisite pair of Hagi ware yunomi (tea cups) represents one of Japan's most treasured pottery traditions, presented in an elegant paulownia wood tomobako signed by the artist. The stunning gradient glaze and the cups' ability to transform through use make this set a meaningful collector's piece that embodies the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of finding beauty in impermanence and change.

Stunning Gradient Glaze:
Each cup features a mesmerizing two-tone glaze that transitions seamlessly from soft celadon gray-green at the rim through delicate blush pink in the middle, fading to warm peachy-beige tones toward the footed base. This ethereal color gradation creates an atmospheric, dreamlike quality reminiscent of dawn or dusk skies. The glaze has a soft, semi-matte finish with subtle variations and pooling that create organic patterns unique to each cup.

The Seven Transformations (Nanabake):
Hagi ware is renowned for its unique characteristic known as "Hagi no nanabake" or the seven transformations of Hagi. The soft, porous clay and fine network of crazing (deliberate cracks) in the glaze allow tea to gradually penetrate the ceramic over time, causing the colors to deepen and change. As you use these cups, they will develop a beautiful patina that tells the story of your tea journey, becoming increasingly personal and precious with each use.

Traditional Hagi Characteristics:
These cups display the hallmark features that make Hagi ware so prized in Japanese tea culture: the soft, warm feel of the porous clay in hand, the characteristic fine crazing throughout the glaze that will gradually absorb tea, and the exposed unglazed clay at the foot revealing the natural warm terracotta color. The gentle, organic form with its subtle throwing lines embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic of finding beauty in natural imperfection.

About Hagi Ware:
Hagi yaki has been produced in Yamaguchi Prefecture for over 400 years and is considered one of Japan's finest pottery traditions. The tea master Sen no Rikyū famously praised Hagi ware, establishing its reputation as the preferred choice for tea ceremony vessels. The phrase "first Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu" reflects its esteemed position among Japanese tea wares.

Unique Footed Design:
Each cup sits on a distinctive carved foot with cutout sections that create a sculptural base.

Original Signed Paulownia Box (Tomobako):
The cups come beautifully presented in their original paulownia wood storage box, hand-inscribed with calligraphy by the artist and bearing their red seal stamp.

We travel to Japan, East Asia and other countries to source and find the most unique and rare hand made and vintage pieces.

Disclaimer:
Please note that all vintage items may show signs of age and wear due to their history. These imperfections are part of their charm and authenticity. Handmade items may also include intentional irregularities, which reflect the unique craftsmanship and character of each piece.

We do our best to accurately represent each product in photos; however, due to differences in lighting and screen settings, colors may appear slightly different in person. Please review all photos and descriptions carefully before purchasing. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Because each item is handmade, dimensions, color, and pattern may vary slightly. No pieces are exactly the same.