Why We Love It
This authentic Bizen ware teacup set features two handcrafted yunomi high cups in a custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist making it the perfect gift for tea lovers.
Bizen ware is one of the most remarkable Japanese pottery. Usually not glazed, Bizen-yaki has a natural appearance. The rusticity of Bizen-yaki has been appreciated for centuries for its wabi sabi nature: unique, austere, imperfect, gaining charm and beauty with time and use.
Inside the ancient cave kiln, pine tree ash flies and sticks to the clay, adding a natural glaze to the surface. The enigmatic decor of this yunomi set is named sangiri (桟切り) and is a distinctive feature of Bizen-yaki. During reduction firing, the flow of air may be obstructed, and the embers fall on the pottery. The chemical reaction between the iron contained in the clay and the carbon from the embers give birth to exquisite natural glaze nuances, from gunmetal grey to blue, and even white.
Why Choose Teacups from Bizen
Bizen-yaki (備前焼) is a type of pottery created in the city of Bizen, in Okayama prefecture. Bizen is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns and the development of these kilns and techniques have been carefully preserved, representing a vital contribution to Japan’s traditional arts.
In the 16th century, Bizen-yaki gained the favor of Sen no Rikyu, the famous master of the tea ceremony, for its wabi-sabi aesthetics. This notion of wabi-sabi is a key concept in Japanese sensibility: the appreciation of the ephemeral beauty of an imperfect object, which becomes more beautiful as time passes, and consequently acquires its own charm and an untranslatable idea of serenity.
Working with Bizen clay requires master craftsmanship to shape the wares and position them expertly inside the anagama climbing kiln. During the long wood-firing process, the artisans don’t touch the wares, so it takes years of experience to know how to place the ceramics in the kiln to achieve the greatest outcome. The final appearance of each piece is not entirely predictable, making every dish or teacup wholly original and unique. Making Bizen pottery is so arduous that most kilns only do a firing once or twice a year, or even less.
These teacups are handcrafted by ceramic artist Toshiaki Mori at the Hozan Kiln in the town of Bizen. A direct descendant from the six Bizen-yaki potter families, Mori-san is the 19th generation master artisan, who not only was selected and received awards at various national ceramics exhibitions, but also exhibited his works internationally, in the USA, UK, and Taiwan.
Caring For Your Bizen Ware Teacups
After use, the yunomi set should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water, which will help it to dry faster. To preserve the delicate surface of the teacups, do not wash them in the dishwasher.
Details
- Yunomi teacup set, comprising two ceramic cups
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- Includes custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist
- Sangiri technique
- As each handmade product is unique, there will be differences in size, color, and pattern from the photographs above.
- Cup size: Ø 3¼” (8.5cm), height 3” (7.5cm), capacity 7½ fl.oz (220ml)
- Product code: 93201SG
Free Shipping
- USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia: Enjoy FREE express shipping on all orders over $99!
- Australia, New Zealand, and India: Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders over $199 USD.
- Japan: Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders.
Shipping Times
- USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia: Orders usually arrive within 3-5 days after shipment.
- Australia, New Zealand, and India: Delivery is usually within a week, depending on local customs.
- Japan: Orders typically arrive within 24 hours after shipment.
- All other countries: Orders usually arrive within 4-5 days after shipment, depending on local customs.
Taxes
- Shipments from Japan may be subject to additional taxes and handling fees imposed by customs and mail carriers. Customers are responsible for these costs.
- Customs and import rules vary by country, for example the USA usually doesn’t charge any extra fees, but the EU sometimes does. See here for information on selected countries.
- If an order is returned due to refusal to pay local taxes or customs duties, the full two-way shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
- Shipments in the US may be subject to sales tax where mandated by federal and local authorities. Sales tax will be calculated at checkout.
- Shipments within Japan are subject to consumption tax, which is included in the price.
Shipping Locations
- All our products come to you from Japan.
- Especially for customers in the USA, we can now also ship some items from our location in California to ensure the fastest delivery!
Track Your Order
- Once your order has shipped, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to track your shipment.
- Please note that it is the customer's responsibility to track shipments. If an order is returned due to non-collection, the full two-way shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
If you would like to return your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns within 30 days of receiving your order.
*Please note the following conditions to our return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location (this is usually in Tokyo).
- Discounted items, or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- The original outward shipping cost (the full amount that we paid to the courier) will be deducted from the refund.
- The customer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses and duvets, mattress/duvet covers, or tatami mats.
How do I claim my free refund?
Please contact us and we will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
Please return the item folded in its original packaging and send your return by mail, marking “Returned Items” on the customs form. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc), or do not write “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be levied which must be paid by the sender or subtracted from any refund.
Once we receive the returned item and have confirmed its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue a refund not including shipping costs or duties.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
We offer a full refund of the product, not including the original outward shipping costs. You must bear the cost of return shipping.
If you received the original order damaged, then we will also cover both the initial and the return shipping costs.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an unused and undamaged item, you can process the return as described above and reorder the new item through the website.
Alternatively, when you notify us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement, and we will hold it in stock for you until we receive the original return. Please note, there may be additional shipping costs.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally items may be damaged in transport. In the unlikely event that you item arrives in a damaged condition:
We ask that you contact us within 48 hours of receipt. This enables us to make a claim with the shipping company.
Please keep hold of the damaged item and provide some photos of the damage.
We will issue you with a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
How long will my refund take?
We will process the refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item.
