Tamba Ware Teacups (Yunomi), Set of 5 — Olive Ash Glaze Drips, Original Box

This set of five yunomi (teacups) comes in its original paper box labelled 伝統工芸 丹波焼, "Traditional Craft, Tamba Ware." Tamba ware, from the Tachikui area of Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's Six Old Kilns (Rokkoyō) and is known for iron-rich clay and earthy, glaze-led decoration rather than painted design.

Each cup is wheel-thrown, and the throwing ridges (rokuro-me) are left visible around the walls. The reddish-brown surface sets off a band of olive-green glaze around the upper body. The glaze has run down in drips, so it gathers in the ridges and pools into darker beads at the ends, with fine dark iron speckling throughout. This poured, flowing treatment echoes the natural ash glaze of Tamba's historic wood-fired wares. Because the glaze was applied by hand, the pattern differs on every cup. One cup has a looser, marbled band of glaze with a single long drip, which gives the set some variety.

The form is a tall, straight-sided cylinder that narrows slightly at a trimmed foot. Each base is left unglazed, showing the coarse, gritty clay body, and the lower wall carries an impressed seal.

Details:

• Origin: Tamba ware (丹波焼), Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Form: Tall cylindrical yunomi with trimmed footring
• Surface: Reddish-brown body with olive-green glaze band and drips, iron speckling
• Decoration: Hand-poured glaze, visible throwing ridges; each cup unique
• Marks: Impressed seal near the foot (maker unidentified)
• Box: Original paper box with label and dividers; lid paper worn and torn
• Condition: Good vintage condition. Minor kiln grit and small marks on the unglazed footrings, as is typical of the ware. Please see photos
• Quantity: Set of 5 (sold together)
• Dimensions (each, approx.): (D) 7.2cm x (H) 8.5cm