Yuzamashi | Japanese Pottery | Water Cooler | Handmade Rustic Wabi Sabi | Sencha Tea Ceremony | Signed Studio Potter | Brown Clay Teaware JP

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the mountainous regions of northern Hiroshima, where the rugged peaks of the Chugoku Range meet the heavy winter snows, lies a land steeped in history. This area was once the heart of "Tatara" ironmaking and a vital post station for weary travelers crossing the mountains. From the depths of a century-old traditional clay storehouse (kura) in this mist-shrouded village, a single ceramic masterpiece has emerged after more than half a century of slumber: a hand-pinched "Yuzamashi" (water cooler for tea). This is more than a mere vessel; it is a manifestation of "wabi-sabi" and the profound silence of the Japanese countryside.

This Yuzamashi is estimated to have been crafted during the early Showa period, around the 1940s. At that time, northern Hiroshima maintained a rich, independent craft culture despite being a transportation hub. The most striking feature of this piece is the "tebineri" (hand-pinching) technique. Instead of using a potter's wheel, the artisan built the form by hand, resulting in a gentle, organic distortion that fits perfectly into the palm. The relief carving of a bamboo stalk on the side and the bold "Take" (Bamboo) seal on the bottom are not mere decorations. They represent the artisan’s respect for the resilience of bamboo—a plant that bends under the weight of heavy snow but never breaks.

The original owner of this vessel was reportedly a retired physician from a lineage of healers who had served the village for generations. In those days, medicine was as much about healing the soul as the body. It is said that the master would return from his rounds and spend his afternoons preparing tea, using this Yuzamashi to calm his mind. By pouring boiling water into this vessel, he allowed the fierce heat to subside, bringing it to the perfect temperature for delicate tea leaves. This tool existed to celebrate the act of "waiting." Devoid of gaudy gold leaf or intricate paintings, its rugged beauty embodies the spirit of "Mingei" (Folk Craft) as championed by Soetsu Yanagi—the beauty found in everyday objects used with love.

As eras shifted and the family estate passed to a new generation, the Yuzamashi was wrapped in old newspapers, placed in a paulownia wood box, and stored in the furthest corner of the kura. During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the world turned toward efficiency and novelty, and handmade tools were slowly forgotten. Decades passed in the darkness. Paradoxically, this isolation allowed the vessel to develop a unique "koshoku" (antique patina). The subtle humidity and the profound stillness of the storehouse matured the texture of the clay, giving it a moist, deep, and grounded hue. This is the essence of "age-enhanced beauty"—the very wabi-sabi that collectors worldwide yearn for.

The decision to bring this treasure out of the storehouse came only when the old farmhouse faced demolition. However, the moment the dust-covered box was opened, those present were struck by the vessel's undeniable aura. A sense of duty prevailed: "This beauty must be passed to the next generation." This conviction is what brought the Yuzamashi back into the light of the modern world.

In our contemporary lives, we are constantly bombarded with information and pressured by speed. This is precisely why there is such profound luxury in taking the time to "cool the water." When you touch this Yuzamashi, your fingertips connect with the clay of the Showa era, and you may hear the phantom silence of the Hiroshima mountains. Whether you are a tea practitioner, a minimalist, or an aesthete who finds new life in ancient objects, this "Bamboo" Yuzamashi will become a partner in your daily rituals—a tool to help you pause, breathe, and find tranquility in a chaotic world.

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: 5.1 cm (2.01 in)
Base Diameter: 5.3 cm (2.09 in)
Rim Diameter: 8.2 × 9.8 cm (3.23 × 3.86 in)
Maximum Circumference: 7.6 cm (2.99 in)
Weight: 140 g (4.94 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.