Mishima Yakishime Tokoname Teacup
Best choice for tea enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese ceramic craftsmanship.
Experience the artistry of the Mishima Yakishime Tokoname Teacup, meticulously crafted by master Tsuzuki Seihō. This authentic Tokoname-yaki piece showcases the traditional yakishime style and the intricate mishima technique, featuring stamped sakura inlaid with slip. Its ideal 90ml capacity is perfect for enjoying premium sencha or houjicha. The unglazed clay is believed to enhance the tea's mellower taste. Measuring 7.8 cm wide and 5.1 cm high, this teacup embodies centuries of Japanese ceramic heritage.
$48.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1327
/ 3273
#1327 in Coffee & Tea Cups
Price vs Category Average
-7%
Below average
Material
Ceramic
/ Ceramic
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking authentic, handcrafted Japanese ceramic artistry
- Tea enthusiasts looking to develop complex flavor profiles over time
- Slow drinkers needing superior heat retention for their tea
Who should skip it
- Aesthetic purists bothered by visible tea staining and patina
- Busy users wanting low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe drinkware
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing value over artisan provenance
Performance breakdown
Flavor Enhancement
Unglazed clay surface naturally softens and rounds out delicate tea profiles.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Master-level Tokoname-yaki technique delivers exceptional historical and aesthetic authenticity.
Ergonomic Handling
Tapered shape offers a secure grip despite the lack of handles.
Maintenance Ease
Requires careful hand washing and dedicated care due to unglazed material.
Capacity Precision
Ideal 90ml volume perfectly suits concentrated, high-grade Japanese green teas.
Visual Appeal
Intricate sakura mishima inlay provides a stunning, sophisticated tabletop focal point.
Key Specs
Material
Ceramic
Style
Yakishime, Mishima decoration
Width
7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Height
5.1 cm (2 in)
Capacity
90 ml (3.04 oz)
Origin
Made in Japan (Tokoname-yaki)
Cup Type
Teacup
Design Style
Patterned, Textured
Features
- Authentic Tokoname-yaki craftsmanship
- Unique Mishima sakura decoration
- Perfect 90ml capacity
- Unglazed clay may mellow tea taste
- Crafted by master Tsuzuki Seihō
- Ideal for high-grade sencha and houjicha
What customers say
Customers deeply appreciate the Mishima Yakishime Teacup for its exceptional craftsmanship and tactile quality, viewing it as functional Japanese art. Reviewers consistently praise the substantial, warm feel of the iron-rich, unglazed Tokoname clay in hand. The subtle stamped patterns add sophisticated visual interest while honoring the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Many users report that the porous clay enhances the tea's flavor and mouthfeel, confirming its high quality. Although the price is premium, the consensus is that the cup offers excellent value due to its authenticity and unique handmade character. This piece is highly recommended for enthusiasts seeking an authentic, superior tea experience defined by beauty and heritage.
Know before you buy
Yakishime refers to a traditional Japanese firing technique where unglazed stoneware is fired at high temperatures. This process results in a natural, earthy texture and a porous surface that is believed to interact with the tea, potentially mellowing its flavor profile over time.
Because the clay is unglazed, you should hand wash the cup using only warm water. Avoid using dish soap, as the porous material can absorb scents or chemicals, and never place it in the dishwasher.
While it is a handcrafted piece of art, it is designed for functional use. It is perfectly suited for daily enjoyment of premium teas like sencha or houjicha, provided you handle it with the care required for fine, unglazed ceramic.
The cup is designed for traditional Japanese tea service, where the tea is typically steeped at lower temperatures than boiling water. While the ceramic will warm up, the tapered shape allows you to hold it comfortably by the rim or the base once the tea reaches a drinkable temperature.
No, this cup is not microwave safe. The unglazed clay and the specific firing process of Tokoname-yaki make it unsuitable for microwave use, which could cause the ceramic to crack.
Mishima is a decorative technique where patterns—in this case, delicate sakura blossoms—are stamped into the clay and then filled with a contrasting white slip. Once the excess is wiped away, the design remains inlaid in the surface, creating a subtle, textured finish.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.