A pair of yunomi, limited to JTOPIA, made to mark Shinemon’s Nitten Special Prize — the highest award of the Nitten, Japan’s largest art exhibition.

The Ginga Glaze
The ginga (galaxy) glaze is Shinemon’s own technique, born in the course of developing the yohen oil-spot tenmoku on which Nobunaga and Hideyoshi placed the highest value. It is a difficult technique: most pieces are lost in the firing. Because the mottling and crystals emerge differently in every firing, each piece is the only one of its kind.

A Long-Standing Best Seller
It comes with a fine paulownia box bearing the maker’s inscription, and has been welcomed by many customers for gifts of every kind, including retirement — a best-selling pair of Arita ware yunomi at JTOPIA.

Exceptional Functionality
The material is high-grade natural pottery stone produced in Japan. Fired at the extreme temperature of 1,300°C, this Arita porcelain feels like silk to the touch yet is hard and non-absorbent, so stains do not settle and care is simple. There is none of the earthy scent of stoneware. Microwave and dishwasher safe, with excellent heat and cold retention, for use across generations and occasions.

About Arita Ware
Arita ware is the origin of Japanese porcelain. In 1616, under the rule of the Saga domain lord Naoshige Nabeshima, pottery stone was found in what is now Saga Prefecture and production began. Because the wares were made in Arita and shipped from the port of Imari, they are also known as Imari ware. Carried to Europe by the Dutch East India Company — the only trading partner permitted during Japan’s period of national seclusion — the porcelain was called “white gold” and furnished the courts of royalty and nobility.

What Is a Yunomi?
A yunomi is the everyday Japanese teacup — a small cup without a handle, held in both hands. It is used for green tea.

What Is a Meoto Pair?
A meoto pair is a set of two vessels intended to be used together by two people, most often a couple. In Japan it is a long-standing form of gift for a wedding, an anniversary, or a new home — the pair itself carries the wish.

What Is Tenmoku?
Tenmoku is a family of dark iron glazes that came to Japan from China and has been prized in the tea world for centuries. Yuteki tenmoku — oil-spot tenmoku — takes its name from the crystals that surface during firing and scatter across the black glaze like drops of oil on water. Several such bowls are designated National Treasures of Japan.

Why a Paulownia Box
Paulownia wood is light, resists moisture and insects, and moves with changes in humidity — which is why it has been used in Japan for centuries to store what is valuable. A piece delivered in a paulownia box arrives ready to give, and the box itself is part of the gift.

Contents and Dimensions
Yunomi × 2, booklet, paulownia box.
Height: 8.2cm Mouth diameter: 6.5cm / Weight: 135g Capacity: 190ml
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.