Blue Cloud Ofukei Mug
Best artisanal vessel for collectors of authentic Japanese pottery.
This beautiful, hand-crafted mug, titled the Blue Cloud Ofukei Mug, is a stunning piece of Japanese pottery from Katō Hiroshige of Kasen Kiln. It features a flared shape and is decorated in a unique style called seiunmon (blue cloud pattern), developed by the artist to capture the beauty of clouds against a deep blue sky. This innovative design merges the traditional Ofukei (御深井) glazes, characteristic of Akazu-yaki, with the chōka technique (pasting carved or stamped designs) to achieve dimensional artistry. The Ofukei glaze base is a feldspar-rich ash glaze that fires to a celadon-esque green with lovely crazing, while the deep blue is achieved using gosu (cobalt oxide pigment). Each mug is made using natural materials sourced near the workshop in the Akazu region of Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It's a special piece, as Katō Hiroshige's kiln is the only remaining one of the original four families commissioned by the Tokugawa Shogunate to produce Ofukei wares for Nagoya Castle.
$48.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
386
/ 12272
#386 in Mugs
Price vs Category Average
+45%
Above average
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking one-of-a-kind functional art pieces
- Daily drinkers who appreciate premium, durable Japanese craftsmanship
- Slow drinkers wanting to keep beverages hot longer
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable everyday drinkware
- Careless users who prefer dishwasher-safe, rugged kitchenware
- Perfectionists expecting identical, uniform product aesthetics
Performance breakdown
Artisanal Provenance
Direct lineage to Tokugawa Shogunate-commissioned kilns ensures unmatched historical authenticity.
Glaze Complexity
Traditional Ofukei ash glazes create a sophisticated, celadon-esque depth.
Tactile Design
Chōka technique adds a distinct, dimensional texture to the vessel surface.
Ergonomic Utility
The flared silhouette offers a comfortable grip for daily tea rituals.
Visual Uniqueness
Seiunmon blue cloud patterns provide a striking, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Material Integrity
Sourced from local Aichi Prefecture clays, reflecting true regional craftsmanship.
Key Specs
Made in Japan. Ships from Japan.
Width
12.8 cm (5 in)
Height
7.9 cm (3.1 in)
Capacity
210 ml
Type
Akazu-yaki Ceramics
Features
- Hand-crafted by Katō Hiroshige (Kasen Kiln)
- Features seiunmon (blue cloud pattern) design
- Uses traditional Ofukei glaze combined with chōka technique
- Made using natural local materials
What customers say
Customer sentiment centers on the mug's exceptional artisanal quality and striking aesthetic beauty. The Ofukei glaze is consistently praised for its mesmerizing depth and tranquil blue hues, making each piece feel unique. Reviewers highlight the superior craftsmanship, noting the comfortable weight and ergonomic handle. While positioned as a premium item, buyers overwhelmingly agree that the enduring beauty and traditional artistry justify the investment, resulting in high perceived value. Minor capacity notes are overshadowed by the profound satisfaction of owning this functional art. This positive experience drives strong interest in acquiring more Tezumi ceramics.
Know before you buy
Ofukei glaze is a traditional, feldspar-rich ash glaze associated with Akazu-yaki pottery. It is historically significant because the Kasen Kiln is the last remaining workshop of the four families originally commissioned by the Tokugawa Shogunate to produce these wares for Nagoya Castle.
The pattern, known as seiunmon, is created using the chōka technique, which involves pasting carved or stamped designs onto the clay. The deep blue color is then achieved using gosu, a traditional cobalt oxide pigment, which contrasts against the celadon-esque green of the base glaze.
The crazing, or fine network of cracks in the glaze, is a natural characteristic of the Ofukei firing process and does not compromise the structural integrity of the ceramic. It adds to the piece's aesthetic depth and is a common feature in traditional Japanese pottery.
Yes. Because each mug is hand-crafted by Katō Hiroshige using natural materials from the Akazu region, there will be subtle variations in the glaze application, color intensity, and the placement of the cloud patterns. Each piece is unique.
We recommend hand-washing this mug with mild soap and avoiding the dishwasher to preserve the integrity of the glaze and the delicate chōka detailing. As with most handcrafted pottery, it is best to avoid sudden, extreme temperature changes.
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