A meoto pair of yunomi in Yuteki Tenmoku (oil-spot tenmoku), the glaze renowned through National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

Presence, and Ease of Use
The commanding presence of oil-spot tenmoku is joined with a form designed to be easy to hold and to use — yunomi in which you can sense the history of Japanese beauty.

A Vessel That Mirrors the Cosmos
Ryurin Yuteki Tenmoku is an oil-spot tenmoku that expresses the shining black of the cosmos. Yuteki tenmoku refers to the clusters of crystal spots that appear on the surface of a vessel like drops of oil. It is a vessel of the nobility, revered as “a vessel that mirrors the cosmos” by feudal lords such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and by men of letters and artists.

Ryurin — Scales of a Dragon Crossing the Heavens
Shinemon’s oil-spot tenmoku is also called amakakeru-ryurin, the scales of a dragon crossing the heavens, and its weighty yet graceful black-gold is captivating. These cups draw those who use them into a mysterious cosmic space, and will lend strength to daily life.

An Auspicious Gift
A vessel that expresses the momentum of a flying dragon rising to the heavens is a highly auspicious work — ideal for all kinds of gifts.

Exceptional Functionality
The material is high-grade natural pottery stone from Amakusa in Kyushu. 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. It keeps drinks hot or cold well.

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.
Yunomi(large): Height: 9cm Diameter: 8cm / Yunomi(small): Height: 7.8cm Diameter: 6.8cm
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.