Teacup SAKUZAN Pottery

SAKUZAN Pottery, based in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, is not just creating tableware as mere tools. They propose ways to enhance daily life through their vessels. Let's explore the charm and recommended uses of their "Tea Cup" collection.

A Low-Profile Tea Cup with a Relaxed Form

From the "Style" series launched in 2021, we've selected a low-profile tea cup with a relaxed form. It's part of SAKUZAN Pottery's seasonal releases that began in 2000. The cup comes in three colors: "Earth White" with a white base overlaid with a nuanced glaze that's somewhere between blue and green, the gentle-toned "Youhen Cream", and the robust "Youhen Black".

The "SAKUZAN" stamp is engraved on the bottom.

Earth White

A white base overlaid with a nuanced glaze that's somewhere between blue and green.

Youhen Cream

"Youhen White" was born from a suggestion by Senchado Tokyo, considering the color when tea is poured. It's perfect for green tea, black tea, and hojicha!

Youhen Black

We ordered Youhen Black from SAKUZAN Pottery to add a color with a robust feel, unlike anything in the previous lineup. It's perfect for gear enthusiasts or those who appreciate a weighty black.

The cup appears to have two shades of black - one at the base and another at the rim. This is due to a phenomenon called "kiln change". Temperature variations in the kiln create what looks like a two-color gradient. This kiln change adds depth to the vessel, making it adaptable to various rooms and preferences.

Moreover, these cups are stackable, saving space in your cupboard. The wide mouth also increases their versatility.

Our Uses, Their Uses, Various Uses

In summer, enjoy cold-brewed tea. As it gets colder, switch to hot brewed tea. You might be surprised how many people drink green tea from a mug. Place the tea cup and some snacks on a tray for a moment of relaxation. The white base beautifully showcases the color of the tea.

These cups are also perfect for soup or breakfast granola. Don't limit yourself to just drinks just because it has a handle.

To be honest, "Youhen Black" isn't recommended for green tea where color is part of the experience. However, when you pour coffee, the deep color adds even more depth, and adding milk suddenly creates a minimal cuteness.

It's also great for a scoop of ice cream. It might not be the most orthodox use, but don't you think it's a cute way to use this vessel?

Perfect for drinks, of course, but also great for soup or small snacks. Despite its simple shape and coloring, its nuanced appearance is sure to shine on your dining table! These vessels, designed with food in mind, will likely inspire various culinary ideas when you hold them.

We also introduce how food stylist Ai Suzuki and Senchado Tokyo designer Kami use these cups in their daily lives.

For Moments of Relaxation

We introduce how Yui Hayashi, owner of the Kumamoto select shop "cope", uses these cups. "The wide-mouthed, shallow tea cup allows you to see through to the bottom, making the clear amber color even more beautiful. Floating a yuzu in it is also charming. When I seek relaxation during tea time, I find myself reaching for this tea cup."

"In the morning, when my husband and daughter are still asleep. The moment of quietly enjoying my favorite foods alone is a small reward to myself. A potage made with plenty of seasonal Jerusalem artichokes may look plain, but tastes exceptional. I wrap it warmly in this accent-colored tea cup with respect. Mysteriously, it makes me even hungrier."

"Both my daughter and I love chewy textures. To enjoy the gifted homemade sweet bean paste, I enthusiastically decide on shiratama for today's snack! My daughter gets even more excited. After all that, we end up with oddly shaped shiratama, but my daughter's satisfied smile makes it all okay. This tea cup is a big hit during snack time for my 3-year-old. The small handle fits perfectly in her little hands, making it easy to scoop and providing good stability. Snacks you make yourself are always special."

MOE used it with breakfast. "When setting the table, there are many dishes that look great on their own but never get their turn. While standalone plates are fine, for items like tea cups or soup bowls that are meant to be paired, compatibility with other dishes is crucial. I was surprised to find that this tea cup blends seamlessly with both 100-year-old pewter plates and artisanal dishes."

As you can see, "Youhen Cream" pairs well with foods of gentle colors. A potage made from winter vegetables like burdock root and taro blends softly with the vessel.

About SAKUZAN Pottery

"From beautiful work, beautiful vessels. From beautiful vessels, delicious smiles." The history of SAKUZAN Pottery began in 1944 when the founder, Sakuichi, started a transportation and farming business under the name Yamasaku, later adding ceramic overglaze painting as a side business. In 1987, Nobuyasu Takai, the third generation, established "SAKUZAN Pottery Co., Ltd."

Interview with Mr. Takai of SAKUZAN Pottery
"Seeking that 'Just Barely Unstable' Point"

We always consider the balance between shapes and glazes from past works when creating new pieces. Sometimes, pieces made long ago sell better now than when they were first created, likely because cooking and plating methods have changed. There's a shape we've had for 15 years, originally made for restaurants, but flat plates like these weren't accepted back then. Deep, curved shapes were considered easier for plating. But in the last few years, we introduced them, and they've sold quickly. The key point of this series is the rough texture of the glaze. The feel changes with different glazes, so some colors feel different. We supply to restaurants and hotels, so we need to maintain consistent colors and textures. We need stability. But I'm always seeking that 'just barely unstable' point. We could make more stable pieces, but they end up looking flat and lacking depth.

About Individual Differences

These "Tea Cups" are molded and carefully fired one by one by craftsmen, while maintaining mass production, thanks to SAKUZAN Pottery's skill and extensive experience.

As a result, each piece may have different glaze patterns, black spots (iron in the clay oxidizing and appearing as powder on the surface), or pinholes (organic matter in the clay burning off during firing).

Before You Buy

• Each piece is hand-molded. Glaze application and colors may vary. Enjoy the unique character of each piece.

• Always wash with water or lukewarm water before first use.

• Clean promptly after use and dry thoroughly before storage.

• When stacking, place thin paper between pieces to prevent scratches.

• Dishwasher safe, but avoid overloading to prevent damage.

• The bottom is treated, but if it feels rough, gently smooth with fine sandpaper.

What to Avoid

• Abrasives, abrasive cleaners, metal scrubbers (may scratch the surface; use a soft sponge instead).

• Microwave use immediately after removing from the refrigerator (may cause cracks or breaks).

• Dry heating or direct flame use.

• Use when cracked or chipped.

• Avoid dragging on tables to prevent scratches.