Hagi Ware Yunomi Tea Cup | White Crackle Glaze | Japanese Pottery | Handmade Pottery | Wabi Sabi Artisan Teaware | Cut Foot Stoneware Sipper

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the mountainous region of northern Hiroshima Prefecture, in the historic district of Aki-Takada, stands a traditional minka (folk house) with a history spanning over 150 years. This area, known for its heavy winter snowfalls and its heritage in tatara iron-making and agriculture, fosters a culture of resilience and functional beauty. From the depths of a soot-stained "Kura" (traditional storehouse) belonging to this estate, this Hagi-yaki Yunomi (teacup) was recently rediscovered, carefully preserved in a bed of rice husks within a weathered paulownia chest.

Created in the early Showa era, around the 1930s, this piece dates back to a pivotal moment in Japanese craft history. This was the era of the Mingei (Folk Crafts) movement, led by Soetsu Yanagi, who championed the "beauty of everyday things" created by anonymous craftsmen. This Yunomi was likely born from the hands of a young Hagi potter who poured his soul into the clay, intending for it to be a companion for daily life. The former owner of this estate, a man of influence who balanced a refined taste for the arts with a pragmatic lifestyle, encountered this cup during a journey across the mountains to Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Captivated by the "breath of the earth" and the unpretentious honesty of the clay, he brought it back to his snow-bound home to serve as his personal teacup.

The most striking feature of this Yunomi is the "Kiri-kodai" (notched foot). This traditional technique, where a wedge is cut out of the foot of the vessel, has long been admired by tea masters. In this particular piece, the notch possesses a sharpness that feels almost like a prayer—a deliberate act of artistic tension against the softness of the form. When held, the fingers naturally find their place against the rugged base, and the warmth of the tea radiates gently through the thick, insulating clay. The surface is covered in "Kannyu" (fine crackle glazes), which are the essential stage for "Hagi-no-nanabake" (The Seven Transformations of Hagi). As tea is consumed over the years, the tannins seep into these microscopic fissures, slowly deepening the color and luster of the cup. One can imagine the original owner sitting by the sunken irori hearth on a silent, snowy night, contemplating the subtle changes in the cup’s expression as he sipped his tea.

However, as the mid-Showa era brought the shadows of war, luxury items and cherished art pieces were hidden away for safekeeping. The owner, wishing to protect his most valued tools from the chaos of the times, placed this Yunomi deep within the Kura, hoping for a day when peace would return and tea could once again be enjoyed in tranquility. As the decades passed and the world shifted toward mass-produced ceramics and modern convenience, this humble Hagi-yaki slipped from memory, resting in the cool darkness of the storehouse for over half a century.

The rediscovery of this treasure was prompted by a recent effort to preserve and document the contents of the ancestral estate. Driven by a desire to reconnect with "authentic craftsmanship" in an age of digital fleetingness, the current guardians opened the long-sealed chest. What emerged was a vessel of profound stillness—preserved perfectly as if time had stopped, yet possessing a matured depth acquired from decades of silent seasoning in the Kura.

In today's context, this Yunomi holds immense "Mingei value." It is a physical manifestation of "Wabi-sabi"—the aesthetic that finds perfection in the imperfect and the transient. The minimalist decoration and the raw power of the notched foot speak to a beauty that is unconscious and unforced. It invites the modern user to slow down and engage in a "dialogue with the object," a meditative practice that is increasingly rare today. This piece carries the strength of those who endured the harsh Hiroshima winters and the gentle warmth of the Hagi soil.

To possess this cup is to continue a narrative that began nearly a hundred years ago. From the moment you pour your first cup of tea, the "Seven Transformations" will resume. Ten or twenty years from now, the color this cup attains will be a unique record of your own journey through life. This is not just a ceramic vessel; it is a "living" piece of history, a spark preserved in a mountain storehouse, ready to bring warmth and wabi-sabi into your contemporary home. Will you be the one to carry this legacy forward?

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: 8.8 cm (3.46 in)
Base Diameter: 4.3 cm (1.69 in)
Rim Diameter: 6.7 × 6.7 cm (2.64 × 2.64 in)
Maximum Circumference: 20.9 cm (8.23 in)
Weight: 160 g (5.64 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
For orders to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS, both with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS, depending on the country and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure it arrives safely.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days, depending on the destination and customs procedures.

Damage During Shipping – Important Notice
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged,
please contact us within 10 days of delivery.
To help us accurately understand the condition of the damage,
we kindly ask you to provide the following photos:
・Clear photos showing the condition of the damaged item
・Photos clearly showing the condition of the outer packaging (shipping box)
・Photos showing the inside of the box, including the packing condition
(such as the presence and placement of cushioning materials)
・Photos of all items included in the shipment
・A clear photo of the shipping label on the box
Please note that all items and packaging materials must be kept and stored
until permission is given by the shipping carrier to dispose of them.
This includes:
・The damaged item
・The outer shipping box
・All cushioning and packing materials
・Any other items included in the same shipment
Disposal of any of these items before carrier approval
may affect our ability to investigate the damage properly.
Please understand that minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage items
are not considered shipping damage.

International buyers: Please note!!!
To ensure a smooth and pleasant transaction, please read the following notes carefully before purchasing.

1.Global Policy
Customs, Import Fees, and International Shipping:
Import duties, customs clearance fees, and local or state taxes (such as Sales Tax) are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are calculated according to the regulations of each country’s customs authority and are the responsibility of the buyer.
Carriers such as DHL, UPS, or Japan Post EMS may collect these fees directly upon delivery. In accordance with international law, we do not under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts.
Please ensure that your shipping address is accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, incomplete information, unpaid import fees, or delivery refusal,
all costs related to the return and reshipment will be the responsibility of the buyer.
International deliveries may experience delays due to customs inspections or local postal conditions.
We do not offer domestic shipping within Japan.
Orders placed with a Japanese domestic address will be canceled and refunded.
If you wish to send an item as a gift to someone in Japan, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds (No-Refund Policy):
All items are vintage or antique and are sold as is.

We do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds for any reason.
(Examples: change of mind, customs delays, slight differences in color or condition.) However, if a loss or severe damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of that insurance.
Please purchase only after understanding and agreeing to these terms.
Note: The 14-day right of withdrawal for France and the UK, based on consumer protection laws, takes precedence over this policy.
Return & Reshipping Costs:
If a package is returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address, refusal, or unpaid import fees,all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
Reshipment will be arranged after the additional payment is confirmed.
Even if you cancel after a return, shipping and handling fees are non-refundable.
Please ensure your address and contact information are accurate and that you are available to receive the package.
Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys. Keep out of reach of children.
They are not suitable for food use.
Due to the natural aging of materials and finishes, do not use them for direct contact with food (e.g., plates or cutlery).
Please enjoy them as decorative pieces that bring quiet beauty to your space.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or heat, and handle with care.
Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, or injury resulting from the use or handling of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper and safe use and storage.
By completing your purchase, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms.

2. Country-Specific Information
・For Customers in the United States
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
Shipments are made via DHL Express or UPS (with tracking and insurance).
Import Duties & State Taxes:
Import duties, customs clearance fees, and state taxes (Sales Tax) are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are calculated under each state’s regulations and are the buyer’s responsibility.
In some cases, DHL or UPS may collect import duties and customs fees upon delivery. We cannot mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
California Proposition 65 Notice:
Some vintage or antique items may contain trace amounts of natural lacquer, metals, or pigments that fall under California Proposition 65.
These are historical materials, and the risk under normal use is considered extremely low. This notice is provided for your information; we cannot be responsible for any effects arising from normal use.

・For Customers in Hong Kong
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed. Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Duties & Taxes:
As Hong Kong is a free port, no customs duties or sales tax (VAT/GST) will be charged.

・For Customers in Taiwan
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed. Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Duties & EZ WAY App:
For orders over NT$2,000, import duties and a 5% business tax will apply.
These charges are determined by Taiwan Customs and are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, registration with the EZ WAY app is required.
Your registered name and phone number must match the shipping information.

・For Customers in Singapore
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed. Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Duties & Taxes:
For orders over S$400, 9% GST and a small handling fee may apply.
These charges are determined by Singapore Customs and are the buyer’s responsibility.

・For Customers in Switzerland
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
VAT & Duties: Upon import, Swiss Customs may charge VAT and handling or customs fees.
These costs are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
If the item value is CHF 150 or less and the purpose is personal use or gifting,
it may qualify for exemption, depending on customs’ decision.

・For Customers in the United Kingdom
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT,
so VAT is not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Upon arrival in the UK, HMRC may charge import VAT and handling fees.
These costs are the responsibility of the buyer and are typically collected by DHL, UPS, or another courier.
Right of Withdrawal (Cooling-Off Period):
Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel or return your order
within 14 days from the date you receive the item.
If you wish to return an item, please contact us by email within 14 days.
Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
After we receive and inspect the item, we will refund the item price (excluding shipping, duties, and fees).
Items that are used, damaged, or returned in a different condition are not eligible for return.

・For Customers in France
Shipping:
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Shipments are made via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS.
As the shop is not registered for EU or French VAT,
VAT (TVA) is not included in the item price or shipping cost.
When your order arrives in France, import VAT (TVA), customs duties, and handling fees may be charged by French Customs or the courier (DHL, UPS, etc.).
These costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
The total amount varies depending on item value, weight, and destination.
Right of Withdrawal (Droit de rétractation):
Under the EU Consumer Rights Directive, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days from the date of receipt.
Please contact us by email within 14 days to request a return.
Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
After inspection, we will refund the item price (excluding shipping, duties, and return postage).
Items that are used, damaged, or returned in a different condition are not eligible for return.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions about our products, descriptions, specifications, or usage, 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 one carries a quiet story we hope you’ll enjoy.