A meoto pair of yunomi made by the only kiln, among the many kilns of Arita ware, to have carried on the traditional technique of hakeme (brush-stroke) for four hundred years.

Everything in a Single Moment
Against the dark brown clay of the cups, milky-white hakeme marks are drawn in flowing lines. Sweeping just the right amount of slip onto the turning clay creates supple, flowing lines — and everything depends on that single moment. It is possible only through the craftsman’s skill and a tradition handed down over four hundred years.

A Devoted Pair of Egrets
Alongside the hakeme technique itself, the painting of the fifteenth-generation Yokoishi Gagyu is every bit its equal. From the tip of the craftsman’s brush comes a devoted pair of egrets, gazing at one another with a noble bearing.

Egrets in the Scenery of Nature
Behind the egrets, hakeme drawn with a soft, warm touch heightens the sense of presence all the more. Picture the egrets standing in the many scenes of nature, and savour a special moment over tea.

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.

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: 7.8cm, Mouth diameter: 7.6cm / Weight: 160g, Capacity: 190ml
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.