Vintage item, never used. This refined Hagi-yaki (萩焼) yunomi tea cup was crafted by Tenpōzan (天鵬山) of Tsubaki Kiln (椿窯) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic regions. Rooted in a tradition spanning over four centuries, Hagi ware is treasured for its understated beauty, soft textures, and the quiet elegance that emerges through daily use.
The cup features a serene pale blue-white glaze that gently transitions into delicate blush tones near the base, creating a subtle landscape-like effect reminiscent of mist-covered mountains.
Like many fine examples of Hagi ware, the surface displays a soft translucency and delicate crackle pattern known as kannyū, a characteristic highly valued by tea practitioners. Over time, tea can gradually interact with these minute glaze lines, allowing the vessel to develop a unique patina through use—a phenomenon known as Hagi no Nanabake (萩の七化け), or “the seven transformations of Hagi ware.”
Tenpōzan's works are admired for their balance between contemporary refinement and the warmth of handcrafted ceramics. This yunomi embodies the essence of Hagi aesthetics: simplicity, harmony, and a deep appreciation for natural imperfection.
Presented with its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), this piece is both a practical tea vessel and a collectible example of modern Hagi craftsmanship.
