Arita style Tea Cup Set of 7 | Japanese Pottery blue and white | Sometsuke Landscape Porcelain Mug | Vintage Chanoyu Matcha Green Tea Bowls 7

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the silent embrace of an old storehouse in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, beautiful vessels have been sleeping for decades, as if holding their breath through the passing seasons. This is a set of seven tea cups reflecting the traditional beauty of the Arita style, adorned with vivid sometsuke (blue and white) landscape patterns, perfectly suited to double as matcha bowls. The scenery painted in deep, vivid indigo zaffre (gosu) on the white porcelain surface, which softly reflects light, transcends the definition of a mere daily utensil, conveying the rich aesthetic sensibility that this country has woven through time to the modern era. These vessels were created during the late Showa period, specifically from the 1970s to the 1980s, a time when Japan's rapid economic growth had matured, and people's interest was once again turning toward traditional handwork and mingei (folk art) values. The landscapes and figures striding on horseback, crafted one by one by skilled artisans, possess subtle variations in brushwork and indigo gradation that mass-produced items could never replicate, harboring a unique warmth that exists nowhere else in the world. The gently curved rims are adorned with iron-glazed lip lines (kuchibeni), serving as an exquisite accent that tightens the overall appearance, perfectly expressing a rustic yet sophisticated Japanese beauty.

This set of seven tea cups was cherished and used regularly during the vibrant late Showa era by a cultured family living in a residence surrounded by the rich nature of northern Hiroshima. The original owner was an elegant intellectual who dearly loved local art, the tea ceremony (chanoyu), and warm cultural exchanges. In a private salon arranged in a corner of the house, or in a quiet tatami room overlooking a serene garden, many writers, artists, and close neighbors gathered day and night to exchange thoughts on the cutting-edge art theories of the time and the turning of the seasons. In those hospitable gatherings, these blue and white vessels served high-quality sencha or occasionally matcha, refreshing the throats and minds of the guests. The warm shape that fits comfortably in the hand and the somewhat humorous, lively depiction of horseback riding on the inner surface sparked conversations among the gathered guests, functioning as a perfect tool to ease tension. The scene of good old Japanese life, where time spent over tea was elevated to spiritual abundance by appreciating the vessels with all five senses, truly breathes within this contrast of white and blue.

However, as the era shifted from Showa to Heisei, the Japanese lifestyle underwent further diversification and modernization. As living spaces completely shifted from low dining tables to Western dining tables and from tatami mats to wooden flooring, daily beverages also diversified from green tea to coffee and herbal tea, and the way families and guests gathered for tea time gradually changed. As generations shifted and the old salon-style gatherings fulfilled their historical role, these vessels were carefully protected and placed into a sturdy historic storehouse behind the residence to pass their legacy to the next era. This was never an act of abandonment, but rather a wise choice to protect traditional Japanese beauty until the day it would be needed again in the future. Inside the storehouse, where moderate humidity and temperature were maintained throughout the year, the vessels were completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, slowly developing their profound character and prestige as true vintage items over the long passage of time.

In the modern era, as this residence was passed down to a new generation, a meticulous renovation project (kurajimai) was initiated to preserve the historic building for the future. It was then that the heavy doors of the storehouse were opened for the first time in decades, and this set of seven tea cups emerged once again into the contemporary light. This was not merely an excavation of past relics, but a sustainable moment of inheritance, discovering the intrinsic beauty residing within old objects and connecting them to the next generation. Having withstood the test of time without any major scratches or chips, maintaining their beautiful original condition, these vessels embody the true meaning of an abundant lifestyle—cherishing and using objects for a long time—which we in the modern world are beginning to forget.

Today, the overwhelming charm emitted by these vessels is nothing less than the spirit of wabi-sabi and the value of traditional crafts that carry the warmth of an artisan's hand. Placing just one of these Showa-era blue and white cups in a sophisticated modern minimalist space or a Scandinavian modern interior filled with natural wood creates a pleasant sense of harmony and profound depth. Due to the universal beauty of their form, they adapt seamlessly to modern sensibilities, whether used for Japanese green tea, herbal teas, café lattes, or even as small bowls for serving your favorite desserts. Why not welcome the story of these seven vessels, delivered across time from the storehouse in Hiroshima, into a new chapter of your life, and weave a rich, peaceful time together with the warmth of handmade craftsmanship?

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: 5.3 cm (2.09 in)
Base Diameter: 3.4 cm (1.34 in)
Rim Diameter: 9.2 × 9.2 cm (3.62 × 3.62 in)
Maximum Circumference: 29.3 cm (11.54 in)
Weight: 105 g (3.70 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.