Studio Toan
| Product | Teacup pair set, white and red |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Style | Kyo-/Kiyomizu-yaki |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Studio | Touan 陶あん |
| Volume | 175ml, 230ml |
| Dimensions | Ø7.1 x 8.5cm, Ø7.3 x 9.2cm |
| Weight | 150g, 160g |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Decoration | Handpainted plum blossoms (Ume 梅) |
| Artist's mark | Signature on base |
| Packaging | Wooden box (Kiribako) |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore sizing and finish may vary slightly
The Toan studio was founded in 1922 at Sennyuji Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and currently employs around 20 craftsmen at the main workshop, making them one of the largest kilns in the city today. The site where the main store is located was originally a traditional Kyoto roof tile manufacturing facility run by the first generation master of Toan. Third-generation master Dobuchi Yoshihide (土渕善英) studied sculpture in Germany and spent many years researching glazes, while fourth-generation and current kiln master Dobuchi Yoshiaki (土渕善亜貴) used this research to develop their iconic Hana Kessho (花結晶) "flower crystal" range.
Popular wedding gifts, Meoto or “husband and wife” Yunomi are a pair of matching Japanese teacups where one is often smaller that the other and/or has a different colour scheme of the same design. The tall, cylindrical Yunomi is typically made of ceramic and without a handle, ideal for daily, casual drinking of all types of tea (with the exception of matcha, which is best served in a Chawan tea bowl). Please use both hands when drinking from a Yunomi: one hand around the cup to hold it, and the other underneath to support. Since Japanese teas are served at temperatures below 80°C (175°F), the Yunomi should not be too hot to handle, and will provide extra warmth to the hands during the colder months. For this reason, Japanese teas that are served at higher temperatures, such as Hojicha, Genmaicha, and Bancha are particularly recommended for Yunomi.
Both Kyo- and Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) are general terms, often used together or interchangeably, to refer to pottery produced in Kyoto, covering a variety of different styles. Historically Kiyomizu-yaki exclusively referred to pottery made on the road leading up to the ancient Kiyomizu Temple – now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Typical Kyoto wares are decorated with colourful hand-painted motifs using overglaze enamel pigments: a technique that appeared in the 17th century and is still a hallmark of Kyo-yaki today. From 794 to 1603 Kyoto was the imperial capital, attracting the most skilled artisans across the country. Even after the seat of government moved to Edo, present day Tokyo, Kyoto continued to be the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan.
