Inoue Tea Nezumi Shinrokubei Gray Mino-yaki Yunomi - Japanese Teacup

Elevate your daily tea ritual with a teacup that captures centuries of Japanese pottery mastery. The Inoue Tea Nezumi Shinrokubei Gray Mino-yaki Yunomi brings authentic craftsmanship and understated elegance to every brew, transforming how you experience your favorite blends.

Why You'll Love This Japanese Teacup

Tea lovers who value authenticity and mindful ceremony find this teacup indispensable. Its hand-formed construction respects the wabi-sabi philosophy—finding beauty in imperfection and natural materials. The soft gray glaze and organic surface texture create a tactile, meditative experience that modern drinkware simply cannot replicate. Whether you're enjoying a delicate sencha or bold hojicha, this vessel honors the tea inside.

Handcrafted from traditional Mino-yaki clay, each piece carries the legacy of Japan's oldest pottery tradition, with roots stretching back to the 7th century in Gifu Prefecture. The coarse, natural clay body develops character over time, subtly changing with use—a living testament to your tea journey.

Heritage Pottery Meets Modern Appreciation

Mino-yaki originates from the fertile clay beds of Gifu Prefecture, encompassing the historic pottery towns of Tajimi, Toki, Mizunami, and Kawagoei. For over 1,300 years, artisans in this region have refined the art of ceramic creation, blending ancient techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

The philosophy underlying Japanese tea ceremony celebrates nature's raw beauty and honest materials. This yunomi reflects that aesthetic: unglazed edges, subtle gray tones, and a rustic finish that invites contemplation. It's not precious or fragile—it's made to be used, held, and cherished through daily practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Inoue Tea Nezumi Shinrokubei Gray Mino-yaki Yunomi different from standard teacups?
This is a hand-thrown Japanese yunomi, not mass-produced tableware. The natural clay, traditional glazing technique, and artisanal finish create variations that celebrate imperfection rather than hide it—a core principle of wabi-sabi aesthetics.

Can I use the Inoue Tea Nezumi Shinrokubei Gray Mino-yaki Yunomi for hot and cold tea?
Yes. The ceramic body handles both temperatures well. For cold tea, the narrow opening helps maintain temperature and concentrates aromatics.

How should I care for this Inoue Tea Nezumi Shinrokubei Gray Mino-yaki Yunomi?
Hand washing is recommended to preserve the glaze and natural patina that develops over time. Avoid the dishwasher and prolonged soaking.

Product Specifications

• Dimensions: 2.8" W × 3.18" H
• Capacity: 5.41 oz / 160 ml
• Material: Natural coarse clay (Mino-yaki)
• Glaze: Gray (Nezumi Shinrokubei)
• Origin: Gifu Prefecture, Japan
• Care: Hand wash recommended
• Style: Traditional Japanese yunomi (tea bowl)

Shop our full selection of Inoue Teaware.