Vintage Japanese Yunomi, Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0329-2

Vintage Japanese Yunomi, Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0329-2

A signed studio yunomi in cobalt blue and white porcelain, presented in its original wooden storage box -- a refined collectible for the Japanese ceramics enthusiast.

A yunomi is a traditional Japanese handleless tea cup used for everyday drinking of green tea, distinct from the more ceremonial chawan. This handcrafted example features a gently faceted cylindrical body thrown in fine white porcelain and decorated in the classic sometsuke style -- cobalt blue underglaze painted freely over a pale celadon-tinged ground. The brushwork depicts bold horizontal bands encircling the upper body, with loose, expressive strokes below suggesting bamboo grass or reeds in the manner of a classic ink painting. The confident, calligraphic quality of the decoration points to a skilled Showa-era studio potter; the base is marked with a single cobalt character consistent with the artist signature and red seal reading "Gi" inscribed on the accompanying wooden box, which also bears the inscription "yunomi" and the phrase indicating the work of that hand. This piece is a fine example of vintage Japanese craft pottery that appeals equally to collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics and lovers of wabi-sabi aesthetics.

In a modern home, this yunomi is equally at home in daily use as it is on display. Its compact form and striking blue-and-white decoration make it a natural fit as a tea or espresso cup for a Japandi-style kitchen or dining table. Displayed on a shelf or windowsill alongside other ceramics, it serves as an elegant living room accent rooted in authentic Japanese studio tradition. The original signed wooden box adds provenance and display value, making this a memorable housewarming gift or a gift for collectors who appreciate handcrafted Japanese ceramics with documented maker attribution.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: White porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze (sometsuke); original wooden storage box included
• Use: Everyday Japanese green tea drinking (yunomi)
• Modern Use: Daily-use tea or espresso cup; display piece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior; gift for collectors of Japanese studio ceramics
• Features: Faceted cylindrical body; freehand sometsuke brushwork with horizontal band and bamboo-grass motif; unglazed foot ring; cobalt artist mark on base; signed and sealed wooden tomobako (storage box) inscribed "yunomi" with artist signature and red seal
• Dimensions: 2 1/2"Diameter x 3 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly expressive piece of vintage Japanese studio pottery -- beautifully functional, authentically signed, and ready to bring a touch of wabi-sabi warmth to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.