Japanese Kutani Porcelain | Tea Cup Set of 5 | Large Serving Bowl | Blue and White | Camellia | Handpainted Vintage Pottery | Porcelain Sets

The Story Behind This Piece:

In the heavy snowfall region of the Chugoku Mountains in Northern Hiroshima Prefecture, from an old minka (traditional Japanese folk house) in a post town that once flourished as a hub for traditional tatara ironmaking and timber distribution, these breathtakingly beautiful Kutani ware vessels have emerged. Deep within this grand residence, protected by thick wooden beams and plaster walls, the heavy wooden doors of a storehouse (kura) that had weathered countless winters were opened. Inside a dust-covered paulownia wood box lay this magnificent set: a large serving bowl and five matching teacups from the "Waremokou Kazahana" collection. Crafting back to the 1970s, a time during the Showa period when Japan was caught in the bustle of rapid economic growth, there remained a powerful undercurrent of the Mingei (folk art) movement, which sought to reevaluate the warmth of human handiwork and local distinctiveness. These pieces are the very crystallization of beauty born from the palms of master artisans of that era.

At that time, the grand estate was managed by a graceful and wise matriarch who found her greatest joy in supporting local cultural activities and welcoming visitors with utmost hospitality. She possessed a pioneering aesthetic vision, deeply understanding and integrating "Mingei values"—the beauty found within ordinary daily life—into her home. In Northern Hiroshima, winters paint the entire landscape in a stark, silent white, enveloping the villages in deep stillness. On those bitterly cold nights, gathered around the warm glow of the irori (sunken hearth), these vessels took center stage at intimate gatherings held for local dignitaries and traveling literati. The large serving bowl, featuring a beautiful undulating ruffled rim, was filled with freshly foraged wild mountain vegetables or rich winter stews. The teacups, standing elegantly on high, striped foot rings (kodai), held green tea brewed with soft water heated in an iron kettle over the hearth. The large, camellia-like blossoms painted in deep, vivid indigo against the pure white porcelain, along with the boldly yet delicately rendered leaves, brought a sense of vital energy and warmth into the room, contrasting beautifully with the frozen silver world outside. The vibrant gradations of the gosu (cobalt blue pigment), applied stroke by stroke by the artisan, seemed to dance under the soft lamplight, soothing the hearts of all who gathered.

However, as the 1980s arrived, the tides of time shifted family lifestyles toward Western ways, and formal entertaining moved from the tatami room to modern parlors. Opportunities for large traditional Japanese banquets gradually declined. Because these vessels represented authentic, irreplaceable handiwork, the matriarch, out of deep love and respect, decided to protect them for future generations. She carefully packed the set back into its wooden box and stored it away in the dimly lit, temperature-controlled depths of the kura. It was never an act of abandonment, but rather a long, temporary slumber designed to preserve Japan’s traditional beauty intact for the future.

Now, nearly half a century later, during a restoration project of the historic folk house, the storehouse was organized, and this beautiful Kutani ware finally experienced its moment of "kuradashi"—brought out from the dark into the light of the modern era. In today’s world of mass production and consumption, the organic ripples of hand-painted indigo and the non-uniform beauty woven by earth and fire embody the exact spirit of "wabi-sabi" that we yearn for today. Having aged gracefully, the porcelain surface possesses a settled, mature character, radiating a one-of-a-kind presence where Mingei utilitarian beauty harmonizes exquisitely with Kutani elegance. Whether placed in a contemporary modern space, a rustic folk-style interior, or a traditional Japanese table setting, these vessels have lost none of their brilliant luster. The large bowl can gracefully hold modern salads or fresh fruits, while the beautiful, elevated teacups elevate a casual tea break into a luxurious ritual. This exquisite set is ready to transcend time and space, bringing the story of Hiroshima's snow-covered mountain village straight to your dining table—a miraculous encounter waiting to happen.

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:

■Teacup
Height: 6.8 cm (2.68 in)
Base Diameter: 5.2 cm (2.05 in)
Rim Diameter: 9.1 × 9.1 cm (3.58 × 3.58 in)
Maximum Circumference: 30.3 cm (11.93 in)
Weight: 150 g (5.29 oz)

■Serving Bowl
Height: 9.1 cm (3.58 in)
Base Diameter: 11.0 cm (4.33 in)
Rim Diameter: 24.5 × 24.5 cm (9.65 × 9.65 in)
Maximum Circumference: 69.3 cm (27.28 in)
Weight: 860 g (30.34 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.