Vintage Yanmar | Yanbo Marbo | Set of 3 | Japanese Yunomi | Retro Advertising | Mascot | Porcelain | Showa Era | Collectible Pottery | Anime

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep in the mountainous northern reaches of Hiroshima Prefecture, in the region known as Geihoku, the landscape is defined by its dramatic terraced rice paddies and winters that blanket the earth in a thick, silent white. Here, amidst the whispering pines, stood a farmhouse that had guarded its ancestral land for generations. In the corner of its estate sat a "kura"—a traditional Japanese storehouse with thick earthen walls, built to protect the family’s most precious belongings from fire and the elements. Its heavy doors had remained sealed for decades, preserving a pocket of time, until they were recently reopened. Tucked away in the shadows, wrapped in yellowed newspapers inside a weathered wooden box, were these three ceramic teacups featuring the legendary characters "Yan-bo" and "Ma-bo."

To understand these cups, one must first understand the cultural phenomenon of Yan-bo and Ma-bo. Debuting in 1959 as the mascots for the "Yan-bo & Ma-bo Weather Forecast," these twin brothers became the most beloved figures in Japanese television history. With their cheerful theme song and rosy-cheeked smiles, they were not merely commercial characters; they were the faces of a nation’s optimism. During the post-war era and the subsequent economic boom, they represented a Japan that was looking forward, working hard, and believing in a brighter tomorrow. For people in rural areas, seeing them on screen every evening was a comforting ritual that signaled the end of a day’s labor and the hope for fair weather on the fields tomorrow.

Crafted in the 1970s, these cups were born at a pivotal moment when Japanese agriculture was undergoing a radical shift from manual toil to total mechanization. As evidenced by the inscription "Hiroshima Yanmar Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd." on the back, these pieces were likely commemorative gifts presented to farmers who had made the life-changing decision to purchase a Yanmar tractor or combine. For a farming family in northern Hiroshima, acquiring a red Yanmar machine was a milestone of immense pride. It was a liberation from the backbreaking work of planting and harvesting by hand—a bold investment in the health of the patriarch and the future education of the children. It was, quite literally, the arrival of modern prosperity.

The original owner of these cups surely sat around the "irori" (sunken hearth) on the night his first tractor arrived, sharing his excitement with his family. He would have sipped hot green tea from these very vessels, looking at the vibrant illustrations of Yan-bo and Ma-bo and feeling a deep connection to the spirit of progress they represented. These small ceramic cups held more than just tea; they held the prayers and gratitude of a family that had survived the hardships of the mountains and finally grasped a more comfortable life.

However, as the decades rolled on, the structure of rural life changed. The children moved to the bustling cities of Hiroshima and Osaka, and the once-vibrant dinner table grew quiet. These teacups eventually yielded their place to modern, mass-produced porcelain and were retired to the dark, cool sanctuary of the kura. For nearly half a century, time stood still within those walls while the world outside evolved into a digital age. The decision to bring them back into the light came only recently, as the old farmhouse was prepared for dismantling. Emerging from the dust of history, these cups have retained their vivid colors and soulful presence, a miraculous survival from a fading era.

To look at these teacups today is to recognize a profound "Mingei" (folk art) value that transcends simple nostalgia. The rustic texture of the ceramic and the natural patina or tea stains on the "kodai" (base) embody the essence of "wabi-sabi"—the Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in the imperfect, the used, and the weathered. The marriage of a mass-culture icon like Yan-bo and Ma-bo with the silent, earthy dignity of a farmhouse artifact has elevated these pieces into a unique form of "Yo-no-Bi" (Beauty in Utility).

Unlike the sterile products of the modern world, these cups bear a warmth that reflects the hands that made them and the resilient lives of the people who held them. This set of three has remained together for fifty years, mirroring the unity of the traditional Japanese family unit. To hold one of these cups is to connect with the passion of the Showa era and the quiet pride of Hiroshima’s northern highlands. They are not just vessels for tea; they are vessels for a story of hope, a memory of a nation’s growth, and a tribute to a way of life that continues to whisper from the shadows of the kura.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.0 cm (2.76 in)
Base Diameter: 4.4 cm (1.73 in)
Rim Diameter: 6.2 × 6.2 cm (2.44 × 2.44 in)
Maximum Circumference: 22.4 cm (8.82 in)
Weight: 135 g (4.76 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Shipping costs are not included in the product price and will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express with full tracking and insurance.
For all other available destinations, orders are generally shipped via Japan Post EMS with tracking and insurance.
The shipping method may be changed when necessary depending on the destination, package size, service availability, and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to help ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days. Delivery times may vary depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, customs inspections, and other circumstances beyond our control.

International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Shipments to the United States
For shipments to the United States, shipping costs and import customs duties are not included in the displayed product price.
Shipping costs will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Applicable import duties and other import-related charges will be calculated and collected separately during checkout where supported by our checkout system.
State and local taxes, including Sales Tax, may also be calculated and collected at checkout according to applicable regulations.
The total amount shown at checkout may therefore include:
the product price
shipping costs
applicable import duties
applicable state or local taxes
If any customs duties, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, brokerage fees, taxes, or other import-related charges are not collected at checkout, they may be collected separately by DHL or the relevant customs authority before or upon delivery.
Shipments Outside the United States
For shipments outside the United States, shipping costs, import duties, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the displayed product price.
Shipping costs will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Orders are generally shipped via Japan Post EMS.
Import duties, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs clearance fees, postal handling fees, carrier fees, and other local import-related charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery by Japan Post EMS, the local postal service, the relevant customs authority, or another local delivery provider.
The amount and collection method are determined by the laws, regulations, and customs procedures of the destination country.
For many international orders, VAT, GST, customs duties, and import-related processing fees are collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that payment of the product price and shipping cost does not mean that import duties, VAT, GST, or other local import-related charges have been paid.
We do not mark items as gifts or declare a value lower than the actual purchase price for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address, telephone number, email address, and other contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address, unpaid customs duties, unpaid VAT/GST, unpaid import-related charges, refusal of delivery, or failed delivery attempts, the original shipping cost, return shipping cost, customs-related charges, and any reshipping costs will be the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures, inspections, local postal conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and the damaged item until the shipping carrier completes its investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the age and nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by applicable law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed through the shipping carrier’s insurance investigation, we will respond within the scope of the applicable insurance coverage.
For customers in the United Kingdom and European Union, applicable consumer protection laws, statutory cancellation rights, and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials, pigments, or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for use with modern food or beverages, or for use in a dishwasher, microwave, oven, over direct heat, or for direct cooking.
Please enjoy these items as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we cannot be held responsible for accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or other issues resulting from the improper use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, display, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles.
Customers are responsible for the appropriate handling, display, use, and storage of each item.
Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded under applicable consumer protection laws.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and accepted the product description, condition information, safety information, and applicable terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
For shipments to the United States, import customs duties are not included in the displayed product price.
Applicable import duties will be calculated and collected separately at checkout where supported.
Shipping costs are also calculated and charged separately at checkout.
State and local taxes, including Sales Tax, may be calculated and collected at checkout according to applicable regulations.
California Proposition 65
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, ceramics, or antique finishes.
This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union
Our shop does not include EU import VAT, customs duties, customs clearance fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges in the displayed product price.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery by Japan Post EMS, the local postal service, or the relevant customs authority.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Applicable consumer protection rights under EU law remain unaffected.
■ United Kingdom
For eligible orders, Etsy may collect UK VAT at checkout in accordance with applicable UK regulations. 
For higher-value orders, import VAT, customs duties, and any applicable handling fees may be collected upon delivery. 
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes. 
This product is intended for decorative use only and is not suitable for food contact. 
UK Authorised Representative: Pointblank Promotions Ltd London, United Kingdom This product is shipped directly from Japan. 
The buyer is responsible for all import procedures and will be the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand
Import duties, VAT, GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, postal fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery and are the responsibility of the buyer.
For customers in Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong does not generally impose VAT or GST on imported goods at present.
However, customs clearance fees, postal handling fees, carrier fees, or other charges may apply depending on the shipment and delivery conditions.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, intended use, dimensions, condition, or import charges, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We are happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura. Each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura, or traditional Japanese storehouse, where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday Japanese life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.