Yunomi (Teacup) Oribe - Koji Kitano - Ume (250 mL)
Regular price $150.00
Unit price per
This large yunomi (teacup) is from Koji Kitano an award-winning ceramicist; his accomplishments include the Prefectural Governor’s Award for Aichi. Mr. Kitano has exhibited his works around Japan for over 37 years. Known for his Oribe-ware, he has created these playful teaware ceramics for Matsu Kaze Tea.
First appearing in sixteenth century Japan, Oribe-ware departed from the more somber, monochrome, symmetrical and balanced Raku-ware that preceded it with its characteristic Oribe green, blue and copper glazes; abstract and geometric motifs; random, asymmetrical designs and free application of glaze.
Driven by the maturing tea ceremony, Oribe-ware was influenced by other crafts such as literature, textiles, painting and lacquerware as well as foreign imports and its motifs include natural elements such as animals, plants, ponds and landscapes (often representing seasons), and textile and clothing designs.
This handmade, hand-painted yunomi showcases Oribe green glaze from lighter to darker shades dripping over thin brown and thicker copper-coloured horizontal lines around the circumference to the bottom of the cup on the outside. Green Oribe glaze with some copper-colour drips over onto the beige on the inside. There is one circle in dark brown and copper a little more than half way up the cup and there is a copper-coloured plum (ume) flower at the bottom.
This Oribe-ware yunomi also incorporates a kannyu or “crackle” glaze with a network of hairline cracks unique to each piece that change colour with use and exposure to tea adding character and marking the relationship of the user with the cup.
Each piece has Mr. Kitano’s stamp on the bottom and comes in a traditional kiribako (paulownia) protective wooden box with his signature in calligraphy.
Product information
- Capacity: 250 mL
- D100xH70 mm (Box: L120xW120xH90 mm)
- Grazed ceramic / Oribe green
- Oribe-ware, Aichi Prefecture
- No dishwasher / Hand-wash only
- No microwave
- Handcrafted
- Made in Japan