Wash by hand only. Do not put in dishwasher or microwave.
Yunomi
Ryumonji Shiro Dakatsu
Ryumonji-yaki
SKU
0524
Handcrafted at the historic Ryumonji kiln in Kagoshima using only local materials, this strong and sturdy tea goblet is covered in a crackled snake-skin glaze in greyish white with accents of blue-green. Suitable for serving all kinds of tea, particularly those best enjoyed hot.
| Item | Yunomi teacup |
|---|---|
| Colour | Greyish white, blue-green |
| Studio | Ryumonji |
| Origin | Kagoshima, Japan |
| Style | Satsuma-yaki |
| Volume | 220 ml |
| Dimensions | Ø8.5 x H8.5 cm |
| Material | Dark volcanic clay |
| Glaze | Shiro Dakatsu (白蛇蝎 "white snake") |
| Artist's mark | Stamp on footring |
Each piece is handcrafted and unique, therefore colour, volume and dimensions may vary slightly
In stock
Ryumonji-yaki 龍門司焼
Established in 1688 by Korean potters in Kagoshima, Japan, the Ryumonji kiln today has operated as a pottery union since 1948. The kiln is currently led by certified Master Craftsman, Shiro Kawahara, working alongside his son Ryohei and other relatives.
One of three remaining schools of Satsuma-yaki, Ryumonji-yaki specialises in functional, robust Black Satsuma wares, made from local, dark volcanic clay. These pieces are then finished with their signature glazes, including Dakatsu ("snake"), Samehada ("shark skin"), and Sansai ("three colours") – the latter of which is officially recognised as an Intangible Cultural Property of Kagoshima Prefecture. All glazes are made using raw materials, such as stones, pumice, mud and rice husks, sourced within a 3km radius of the kiln.
Yunomi 湯のみ
Literally a “utensil for drinking hot water,” the Yunomi is a tall, cylindrical Japanese teacup that is typically made of ceramic and does not have a handle. It can be used for drinking all kinds of Japanese tea – with the exception of Matcha, which is prepared and 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 the Yunomi should not be too hot to handle, and will provide extra warmth to the hands during colder months. For this reason, Japanese teas that are served at higher temperatures, such as Hojicha, Genmaicha, and Bancha are particularly recommended for Yunomi.
Satsuma-yaki 薩摩焼
Made in present-day Kagoshima prefecture in southwestern Japan, Satsuma wares date back to the late 16th century when skilled Korean potters were forcibly brought over following the Imjin War. Using their expertise, a multifaceted ceramic tradition soon emerged in the region, encompassing a variety of styles and kilns. These wares can be broadly categorized into delicate, white Shiromon and durable, black Kuromon. White Satsuma wares were historically exclusively made for the ruling class and often elaborately decorated with gold – which captivated European audiences at the 1867 Paris World Exposition. By contrast, Black Satsuma wares were, and continue to be, used to make practical, everyday tableware.
