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.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, 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.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If 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.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

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 damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the 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 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 by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws 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 or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them 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:
We 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.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re 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 (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.