Inoue Seisai Hake Blue Mino-yaki Yunomi - Japanese Teacup

Elevate your daily tea ritual with the Inoue Seisai Hake Blue Mino-yaki Yunomi – a Japanese teacup that combines centuries of artisan craftsmanship with understated elegance. This handcrafted vessel brings authentic tea-ceremony tradition directly to your table, transforming each brew into a moment of mindful enjoyment.

The Heritage Behind Every Sip

Mino-yaki pottery represents one of Japan's most revered ceramic traditions, originating in Gifu Prefecture during the 7th century. The craft emerged from the clay-rich regions around Tajimi, Toki, Mizunami, and Kawagoei, where potters developed techniques that remain largely unchanged today. This particular yunomi reflects that unbroken lineage—raw, natural clay shaped with the restraint and intention that defines Japanese tea aesthetics.

In traditional tea ceremony, beauty comes from authenticity rather than ornament. The Seisai Hake Blue design exemplifies this philosophy: the glaze and form celebrate the material itself, allowing the clay's natural character to shine through. Each piece carries subtle variations that honor both ancient methods and contemporary sensibility, making no two cups identical.

Why Tea Lovers Choose This Yunomi

This teacup's generous 310ml capacity allows room for loose-leaf tea to unfurl fully, releasing complex flavors that compressed sachets cannot match. The wide opening facilitates easy filling and cleaning, while the curved body fits naturally in the palm—a design refinement perfected over generations. The blue glaze finish resists staining and maintains its deep tone through years of use.

Whether you brew green tea, oolong, or herbal blends, this vessel's thermal properties encourage slower sipping and fuller appreciation of each infusion. Inoue Tea customers consistently report that the right teacup elevates flavor perception and deepens their connection to the tea itself.

Care & Specifications

• Dimensions: 3.14" wide × 3.85" tall
• Volume: 310ml (10.48 oz)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Mino-yaki ceramic
• Finish: Hand-glazed blue
• Care: Handwash recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Inoue Seisai Hake Blue Mino-yaki Yunomi – Japanese Teacup suitable for all tea types?
Yes. The wide mouth and moderate capacity work beautifully with loose-leaf green teas, oolongs, white teas, and herbal infusions. The thermal mass helps maintain water temperature throughout steeping.

Can I use the Inoue Seisai Hake Blue Mino-yaki Yunomi – Japanese Teacup with a tea infuser or strainer basket?
Absolutely. The generous opening accommodates most mesh infusers and basket-style strainers. Many tea drinkers prefer this approach for ease of removal and re-steeping.

Will the blue glaze fade or chip with regular use?
Mino-yaki ceramics are built for longevity. The glaze deepens slightly with age and use, developing a patina that many collectors treasure. Handwashing (rather than dishwashers) ensures the longest lifespan and preserves the glaze finish.