Black Spiraling Tokoname Yunomi
Best artisanal vessel for tea enthusiasts seeking a refined daily ritual.
Discover the artistry of Japanese ceramics with this handcrafted teacup, meticulously shaped by a renowned artisan. Its deep black glaze is adorned with a delicate white spiraling pattern, creating a visually striking piece. The tulip form is expertly designed to enhance the aroma and flavor of your favorite teas, while the unglazed, matte finish provides a unique tactile experience. This vessel is believed to mellow the tea's flavor, making it perfect for your daily sencha or a special fine tea ritual.
$34.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
329
/ 3304
#329 in Coffee & Tea Cups
Price vs Category Average
-34%
Below average
Material
Ceramic (Tokoname-yaki)
/ Ceramic (Tokoname-yaki)
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking authentic, high-quality Japanese ceramic art
- Design lovers wanting a tactile, modern tea-drinking experience
- Tea drinkers who prefer their brew stays warm longer
Who should skip it
- Coffee drinkers who prefer handles for boiling hot beverages
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable, mass-produced teaware
- Clumsy users needing durable, chip-resistant everyday kitchenware
Performance breakdown
Flavor enhancement
Unglazed Tokoname clay naturally softens tannins for a smoother tea profile.
Tactile experience
The matte, unpolished finish provides a grounding, organic feel in hand.
Aroma retention
The tulip-shaped silhouette effectively concentrates delicate tea aromatics.
Artisan craftsmanship
Hand-thrown precision by Sawada Tomohiro elevates this beyond mass-produced ware.
Maintenance requirements
Requires careful hand-washing and dedicated care to preserve the clay.
Ergonomic design
The handleless form encourages mindful, intentional sipping of hot tea.
Key Specs
Material
Ceramic (Tokoname-yaki)
Width
8.5 cm (3.3 in)
Height
5.5 cm (2.2 in)
Capacity
130 ml (4.4 oz)
Color
Black with white spiraling line
Cup Type
Teacup
Design Style
Patterned
Intended Use
Everyday Use
Know before you buy
Tokoname-yaki is a traditional Japanese ceramic known for its porous, unglazed surface. Many tea enthusiasts believe this material interacts with the tea to soften astringency and create a mellower flavor profile, especially with delicate greens like sencha.
Because this cup is unglazed and porous, it should be hand-washed with warm water only. Avoid using soap or detergents, as the ceramic may absorb the scent or residue, and never place it in the dishwasher.
No, this cup is not microwave safe. Due to the nature of the handcrafted Tokoname-yaki ceramic, rapid temperature changes or microwave heating can cause the material to crack.
With a capacity of 130 ml (4.4 oz), this cup is perfectly sized for a single, focused serving of sencha or other premium loose-leaf teas. The tulip shape is specifically designed to concentrate the aroma as you drink.
The unglazed, matte finish provides a distinct, natural tactile experience that feels organic and grounded. It is smooth to the touch but lacks the slick, glassy feel of standard glazed porcelain.
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