Set of 5 White Spiraling Hagi-yaki Teacups - 150ml

Name: Set of 5 White Spiraling Hagi-yaki Teacups - 150ml
Brand: Tsubakihide Kiln
SKU: US-T100
Price: 124.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Tsubakihide Kiln

★★★★★ (3)

$124.00

This set of five Hagi-yaki yunomi (teacups) feature a subtle spiraled shape with gentle rokurome (ろくろ目 - potters' wheel marks) which shows the flow of the potter's fingers as they shaped the piece on the wheel. Atop the deep-red iron-rich mishima (見島) clay, these cups sport a traditional shira-Hagi (白萩 - white Hagi) glaze made from warabai (藁灰 - rice straw ash). Like many Hagi wares, these cups feature the characteristic 'notched foot'.

These cups are a perfect middle size for sencha or other teas. Cups of these size and shape are also called kumidashi (汲出) or senchawan (煎茶碗).

These cups, made by Tsubakihide Kiln (椿秀窯) come in a kiribako (桐箱 - paulownia wood box).

Hagi-yaki (萩焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that comes from the town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan and dates back over 400 years. Some of the oldest Hagi-yaki pieces have been declared National Treasures of Japan. The natural warm hues of its clay, along with the simple lines of its forms are highly valued within the traditional aesthetics of many tea ceremony schools.

Hagi ware is said to improve with age as the tannins in the tea slowly stain the fine cracks in the glaze (called crazing or kan-nyuu), creating a rich texture known as 'nanabake', or 'the 7 transformations'. Because of this slightly porous nature, some people like to dedicate their Hagi ware to one type of tea, such as sencha, to avoid having other aromas seep into the clay.Hagi-yaki’s porosity means it requires special care. New Hagi pieces should be soaked in warm water for 2-3 hours to dislodge any dust in the clay’s pores. Some new Hagi pieces can be so porous that water leaks or soaks through the clay. Do not be alarmed, this perfectly normal and will fix itself with regular use as the tea fills in the pores of the clay. It is very important not to use soap when cleaning Hagi ware as it too can seep into the clay.