{"product_id":"japanese-tea-cup-set-cherry-pattern-yunomi-set-of-5-ceramic-pottery-vintage-style-kawaii-retro-kitchenware-asian-tableware","title":"Japanese Tea Cup Set | Cherry Pattern | Yunomi | Set of 5 | Ceramic Pottery | Vintage Style | Kawaii | Retro | Kitchenware | Asian Tableware","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Story Behind This Piece:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNestled against the rugged peaks of the Chugoku Mountains in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, where the landscape is shrouded in deep snow throughout the winter, stood a grand traditional farmhouse (kominka). Over two hundred years old, this residence belonged to a lineage of village headmen dating back to the Edo period. With its sprawling tiled roof, massive soot-polished pillars, and sturdy architecture designed to protect the family from the biting mountain cold, the estate was a monument to resilience. On the northern edge of the grounds, within a stone storehouse (kura) known for its cool, stable environment, these teacups were discovered. Opening the heavy doors was like stepping back into the Showa era, preserved with startling clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seal on the bottom of each cup identifies them as products of the \"Ouzan\" (鶯山) Kiln. Crafted in the 1970s, these pieces were born from the lingering spirit of the Mingei (folk art) movement, which sought to reclaim the value of handcrafted warmth amidst Japan's rapid modernization. The name \"Ouzan\" features the \"Uguisu\" (Japanese Bush Warbler), the \"spring-announcing bird\" celebrated in northern Hiroshima as a symbol of hope after the long, harsh winter. It is said that the artisans of the Ouzan Kiln conceived this cherry motif to bring a touch of vibrance and warmth to the lives of those living in harmony with a demanding natural environment. To dream of the \"season of red fruit\" while huddled around a sunken hearth (irori) amidst a world of white snow—this emotional resonance is condensed into the tactile ceramic texture and the lovely hand-painted illustrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original owner was a woman of elegance and intellect, a local educator deeply respected by her students. While she maintained the strict traditions of her household, she harbored a modern Showa-era sensibility. As winter faded and the sound of melting snow began to echo from the river, she would bring out these Ouzan teacups from the storehouse. It was her way of celebrating the arrival of spring for herself and the villagers who came to visit. The sight of the bright red cherries smiling through the steam of freshly brewed hojicha was more than just a tea service; it was a vital ritual for sharing human warmth in a cold climate. After she passed away and the house fell into a long silence, her family, cherishing these as her most beloved items, wrapped them carefully in raw silk and placed them in a zelkova wood chest in the deepest corner of the storehouse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly half a century later, as the kominka underwent renovation and cultural research, the storehouse was organized, bringing these cups back into the sunlight. Their condition is nothing short of miraculous; the stable climate of the northern Hiroshima kura perfectly preserved the vivid red of the cherries and the deep green of the leaves. This is not merely an antique but a manifestation of the \"handwork\" (teshigoto) and vitality that the artisans poured into every brushstroke, summoned intact into the modern day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, these teacups offer us a contemporary interpretation of \"wabi-sabi\" and \"Mingei value.\" The slightly thick rim that feels substantial against the lips, the comforting weight of the clay in the hand, and the subtly different expressions of each hand-painted cherry—these are the beauties of imperfection that mass-produced goods can never achieve. The fine crazing (kannyu) that has developed on the glazed surface over time serves as a layer of history, deepening the joy of ownership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese five souls, which have waited patiently for \"spring\" in the mountains of Hiroshima, provide a \"tranquil moment\" to reclaim human sensibility in our sterile, digital age. They invite you to indulge in the luxury of cherishing a cup of tea, accompanied by the \"memories of the kominka.\" To hold these cherry teacups is to inherit the beautiful, fading emotions of Japan and the story of an artisan's proud handiwork. We invite you to welcome the lingering fragrance of the warm Showa era to your own table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Notes:\u003cbr\u003ePlease note before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:\u003cbr\u003e* small scratches or scuffs\u003cbr\u003e* fading or discoloration\u003cbr\u003e* glaze irregularities or imperfections\u003cbr\u003e* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear\u003cbr\u003e* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts\u003cbr\u003eVintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.\u003cbr\u003eThese characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.\u003cbr\u003eWe kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.\u003cbr\u003eWe do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.\u003cbr\u003ePlease review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.\u003cbr\u003eOnly the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eDisplay stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 7.0 cm (2.76 in)\u003cbr\u003eBase Diameter: 4.3 cm (1.69 in)\u003cbr\u003eRim Diameter: 6.2 × 6.2 cm (2.44 × 2.44 in)\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Circumference: 22.1 cm (8.70 in)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 125 g (4.41 oz)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Information:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOrders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.\u003cbr\u003eFor shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003eFor all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.\u003cbr\u003eEach item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.\u003cbr\u003eEstimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.\u003cbr\u003eInternational Buyers – Duties, VAT \u0026amp; Taxes:\u003cbr\u003eImport duties \/ customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003eDepending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eFor many higher-value international orders, VAT\/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT\/GST or local import-related charges are included.\u003cbr\u003eEven when customs duties are covered by us, VAT\/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eWe do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003ePlease ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.\u003cbr\u003eIf a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT\/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.\u003cbr\u003eInternational deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamage During Shipping:\u003cbr\u003eIn the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:\u003cbr\u003e* the damaged item\u003cbr\u003e* the outer shipping box\u003cbr\u003e* the inside packaging condition\u003cbr\u003e* the shipping label\u003cbr\u003ePlease keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.\u003cbr\u003eMinor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns \u0026amp; Refunds:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.\u003cbr\u003eReturns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:\u003cbr\u003e* change of mind\u003cbr\u003e* customs delays\u003cbr\u003e* minor differences in condition\u003cbr\u003e* color differences\u003cbr\u003e* texture variations\u003cbr\u003e* size impression differences\u003cbr\u003e* natural signs of age and wear\u003cbr\u003eHowever, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.\u003cbr\u003eFor customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Usage:\u003cbr\u003eThese items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.\u003cbr\u003eVintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.\u003cbr\u003eHandle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiability Disclaimer:\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.\u003cbr\u003eAll products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.\u003cbr\u003eBy completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Notes by Region:\u003cbr\u003e■ United States\u003cbr\u003eState taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia Proposition 65:\u2028Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.\u003cbr\u003e■ European Union (EU)\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003e■ United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eThe buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003e■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT\/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eFor Taiwan:\u2028Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.\u003cbr\u003e■ Hong Kong\u003cbr\u003eHong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT\/GST on imported goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003cbr\u003eIf you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eWe’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOn our official website, we share:\u003cbr\u003e– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered\u2028– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life\u2028– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere\u003cbr\u003eWe hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"meguru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51905186758942,"sku":"A01-167","price":33149.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/8451\/0494\/files\/IMG_6810.jpg?v=1779944127","url":"https:\/\/megurujapan.com\/de\/products\/japanese-tea-cup-set-cherry-pattern-yunomi-set-of-5-ceramic-pottery-vintage-style-kawaii-retro-kitchenware-asian-tableware","provider":"meguru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}