Kozangama Sometsunishiki Hanacho Teacups Set | Authentic Hand-Painted Arita Ware Porcelain Yunomi for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Gift

The Story Behind This Piece:　

In the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture lies the city of Shobara, a region that has flourished since ancient times through iron smelting and mountain trade. Here stands a traditional minka (farmhouse) of a distinguished lineage, its presence marked by imposing black-lacquered plaster walls. Within this estate sits a "Great Kura" (storehouse) that has stood since the Edo period. It was from the deep second floor of this kura—on a shelf specifically elevated to avoid humidity—that these "Mino-yaki Kozan-gama Somnishiki Kacho-mon" vessels were rediscovered, still wrapped in their original cushioning materials from decades ago.
These pieces were created in the 1980s. This was an era when Japan climbed to its economic zenith, a time when the lifestyle of the people underwent a dramatic transformation from "tools for living" to "art for coloring one's life." During this period, Mino-yaki, and Kozan-gama (Maebata Toki) in particular, reached a pinnacle of technical mastery by fusing traditional motifs with contemporary opulence. The original owner belonged to a family of local wealth and influence that supported the region's cultural development. In the 1980s, even in regional cities, "socializing" was a vital part of life, and this estate frequently hosted politicians, industrialists, and artists.
Imagine the scene for a moment. On an autumn evening in the mid-1980s, shadows from exquisite carvings fall from the ranma (transom) panels. Inside the minka, now equipped with the latest air conditioning, a sophisticated "Wa-Modern" (Japanese-modern) banquet is underway. These Somnishiki vessels were used to serve delicacies like locally foraged matsutake mushrooms or intricately crafted Kyoto-style cuisine. The contrast between the deep red enamel (aka-e) of the exterior and the indigo blue (gosu) of the interior, connected by lavish gold leaf, symbolized the perfect harmony of material wealth and spiritual elevation that Japanese people enjoyed at the time. Under the warm glow of incandescent lights, the minute brushstrokes of the handwork shimmered, filling the table with a kaleidoscopic brilliance.
Why did such masterpieces come to be stored away in a kura? The reason lies in the "shift of aesthetic consciousness" that occurred as the 1990s began and the bubble economy came to an end. Society as a whole began to prize "minimalism" and "simplicity," and the grand designs representing the 1980s were temporarily perceived as "too loquacious for the era." The head of the household at the time believed, "This beauty will surely be needed again. Let it rest quietly until then." He cleansed the vessels and placed them in the kura's most protected sanctuary. Forty years have since passed, and the vessels have spent this time maturing in the silence of the storehouse.
The decision to bring these vessels out of the kura now is driven by the evolving definition of "Mingei (folk art) value" in the modern world. There is a growing recognition that not only simple daily tools but also crafts that encapsulate the technology and passion of a specific era are Japanese cultural heritages worth preserving. Furthermore, the concept of "wabi-sabi," which has garnered international attention, has come to be evaluated not just for physical aging but for the "story of the era" that lies behind the object. After forty years, the gold leaf has gained a deeper, more settled luster, and the porcelain surface possesses a moist, dignified quality unique to items recently emerged from a kura.
This "Kozan-gama Somnishiki Kacho-mon" collection is a time capsule conveying the "Golden Age" of Japan in the 1980s. The enthusiasm of the craftsmen of that time, who poured their desire to "make Japan shine its brightest" into every single brushstroke, possesses a strength that modern, mechanized products can never replicate. Their perfect condition—without a single chip—is a testament to the sanctuary provided by the kura and the profound respect the owner held for these pieces.
On a contemporary dining table, these vessels appear surprisingly fresh. In modern spaces characterized by inorganic exposed concrete or interiors furnished with Scandinavian designs, the colors of this Somnishiki become a "starting point for a narrative." They provide overwhelming depth to the table, not only for Japanese cuisine but also for modern fusion dishes or vibrantly colored sweets. Sharing this story is an intellectual and luxurious choice to incorporate the energy of the 1980s and the traditional handwork of Mino-yaki into one's own lifestyle.
Whoever holds these vessels becomes more than just a purchaser of tableware; they become a successor to a fading "Age of Splendor" in Japan. The mystical background of the kura-dashi (emerging from the storehouse), the brilliant memories of the 1980s, and the soul of the craftsman—let this "beauty," which integrates all these elements, bloom in your daily life. In the spirit of wabi-sabi and true craft value, these pieces are ready to grace a new era.

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: 6.6 cm (2.60 in)
Base Diameter: 6.2 cm (2.44 in)
Rim Diameter: 11.1 cm (4.37 in)
Max Circumference: 34.8 cm (13.70 in)
Weight: 210 g (7.41 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.