Japanese Tea Cup Set | Cherry Pattern | Yunomi | Set of 5 | Ceramic Pottery | Vintage Style | Kawaii | Retro | Kitchenware | Asian Tableware

The Story Behind This Piece:

Nestled against the rugged peaks of the Chugoku Mountains in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, where the landscape is shrouded in deep snow throughout the winter, stood a grand traditional farmhouse (kominka). Over two hundred years old, this residence belonged to a lineage of village headmen dating back to the Edo period. With its sprawling tiled roof, massive soot-polished pillars, and sturdy architecture designed to protect the family from the biting mountain cold, the estate was a monument to resilience. On the northern edge of the grounds, within a stone storehouse (kura) known for its cool, stable environment, these teacups were discovered. Opening the heavy doors was like stepping back into the Showa era, preserved with startling clarity.

The seal on the bottom of each cup identifies them as products of the "Ouzan" (鶯山) Kiln. Crafted in the 1970s, these pieces were born from the lingering spirit of the Mingei (folk art) movement, which sought to reclaim the value of handcrafted warmth amidst Japan's rapid modernization. The name "Ouzan" features the "Uguisu" (Japanese Bush Warbler), the "spring-announcing bird" celebrated in northern Hiroshima as a symbol of hope after the long, harsh winter. It is said that the artisans of the Ouzan Kiln conceived this cherry motif to bring a touch of vibrance and warmth to the lives of those living in harmony with a demanding natural environment. To dream of the "season of red fruit" while huddled around a sunken hearth (irori) amidst a world of white snow—this emotional resonance is condensed into the tactile ceramic texture and the lovely hand-painted illustrations.

The original owner was a woman of elegance and intellect, a local educator deeply respected by her students. While she maintained the strict traditions of her household, she harbored a modern Showa-era sensibility. As winter faded and the sound of melting snow began to echo from the river, she would bring out these Ouzan teacups from the storehouse. It was her way of celebrating the arrival of spring for herself and the villagers who came to visit. The sight of the bright red cherries smiling through the steam of freshly brewed hojicha was more than just a tea service; it was a vital ritual for sharing human warmth in a cold climate. After she passed away and the house fell into a long silence, her family, cherishing these as her most beloved items, wrapped them carefully in raw silk and placed them in a zelkova wood chest in the deepest corner of the storehouse.

Nearly half a century later, as the kominka underwent renovation and cultural research, the storehouse was organized, bringing these cups back into the sunlight. Their condition is nothing short of miraculous; the stable climate of the northern Hiroshima kura perfectly preserved the vivid red of the cherries and the deep green of the leaves. This is not merely an antique but a manifestation of the "handwork" (teshigoto) and vitality that the artisans poured into every brushstroke, summoned intact into the modern day.

Today, these teacups offer us a contemporary interpretation of "wabi-sabi" and "Mingei value." The slightly thick rim that feels substantial against the lips, the comforting weight of the clay in the hand, and the subtly different expressions of each hand-painted cherry—these are the beauties of imperfection that mass-produced goods can never achieve. The fine crazing (kannyu) that has developed on the glazed surface over time serves as a layer of history, deepening the joy of ownership.

These five souls, which have waited patiently for "spring" in the mountains of Hiroshima, provide a "tranquil moment" to reclaim human sensibility in our sterile, digital age. They invite you to indulge in the luxury of cherishing a cup of tea, accompanied by the "memories of the kominka." To hold these cherry teacups is to inherit the beautiful, fading emotions of Japan and the story of an artisan's proud handiwork. We invite you to welcome the lingering fragrance of the warm Showa era to your own table.

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: 4.3 cm (1.69 in)
Rim Diameter: 6.2 × 6.2 cm (2.44 × 2.44 in)
Maximum Circumference: 22.1 cm (8.70 in)
Weight: 125 g (4.41 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.