*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a pair of Hagi-ware yunomi style tea cups made by noted potter, Tomehara Nobuo.  They are wheel-thrown and coated in white straw ash glaze, and the front features red and black brush markings.  The surface consists of horizontal grooves and these cups are what we call meoto style, meaning they are two different sizes and often referred to as a husband and wife pair.   The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom of each cup, and they come with their original signed wooden storage box.  They also come with a Japanese language profile about the kiln and potter. 

Tomehara Nobuo (b.1946-2012) was a Hagi-ware potter and first generation master of Tsuchiwa Gama.  He was born in Kyoto and began his career as a Kyo-ware potter.  In 1967 he began studying under Morino Kako (1899-1987) and Morino’s son Taimei (b.1934).  In 1973 he was introduced to Hagi-ware potter Yoshika Taibi and began studying Hagi techniques, one year later his work was selected for the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Exhibition.  In 1976 he established Tsuchiwa Gama, and in 1985 he received the Excellence Award at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Exhibition.  He also received the Hagi City Council Chairperson Award at the Hagi City Art Exhibition, and his work was selected for the Issuikai Exhibition.  In 1986 he received the Special Selection Award at the Hana no Utsuwa Flower Vessel Exhibition, and his work was selected for the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition.  He also received the Excellence Award (Minister of Education Award) at the West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, was selected for the Seibu Crafts Exhibition, and received the Encouragement Award at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Exhibition.  In 1987 he received his second Special Selection Award at the Hana no Utsuwa Flower Vessel Exhibition, the TV Yamaguchi Award at the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition, the KKB Kagoshima Broadcasting Award at the Seibu Craft Exhibition, the Newcomer Award at the Tokoname Ceramics Exhibition, and his work was selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Tanabe Art Museum Modern Forms in Tea Exhibition.  In 1988 he received the TV Yamaguchi Award at Part 1 and Part 2 of the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition, the Oita Governor Award at the West Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, the Encouragement Award at the Yamaguchi Branch Exhibition of the Japan Craft Association, the Chozosho Award at the Tokoname Ceramics Exhibition (and Tokoname City Hall purchased his work), the Encouragement Award at the Hagi City Art Exhibition, and he held his first solo exhibition.  In 1989 he studied art theory and concepts from Living National Treasure Miwa Kyusetsu XI, and he received the Chairpersons Award at the Hagi City Art Exhibition.  His work was also selected for the Yamaguchi Prefectural “Ten Years after Reorganisation” Exhibition, and he received the Hagi City Board of Education Award at the Hagi City Art Exhibition.  In 1990 he received the Asahi Culture Award at the Seibu Crafts Exhibition, and in 1991 he held a solo exhibition in Tokyo.  In 1992 he received the Mayor Award at the Hagi City Art Exhibition, and his work was selected for the Nisshin Noodle Bowl Exhibition.  From 1993-1998 he held several solo exhibitions at high end department stores across Japan, and in 1999 he received the Encouragement Award at the Hagi City Art Exhibition.  In 2000 his work was selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and he held a solo exhibition in Tokyo.  In 2002 he participated in the Yamaguchi Branch of the Japan Craft Association New Work Exhibition, and he received the Asahi Shimbun Encouragement Award.  From 2004-2008 his work was selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, and in 2009 he participated in the Yamaguchi Division of the Japan Art and Crafts Exhibition.  He was a regular member of the Japan Crafts Association up until his passing in 2012, Tsuchiya Gama is now run by Nobuo’s wife Miwako and daughter Masami.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Hagi-ware is a type of high-fired stoneware produced in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is characterized by its rough clay, bumpy pitted surface, and generous coating of translucent white glaze. It is generally made of very porous clay which results in tiny crackles that absorb tea, so it’s important to soak Hagi-ware thoroughly before use. In time the tea deposits will seep into the glaze, creating a deeper tone. This is often considered a charming characteristic rather than a shortcoming, and it’s precisely the reason why Hagi-ware is so highly regarded in the world of Chado.

Sizes

Box:  H.10.4cm (4”) x 18.5cm (7.2”) x 12.1cm (4.7”)

Larger Cup:  H.8cm (3.1”) x Dia.6.6cm (2.5”)

Smaller Cup:  H.7.3cm (2.8”) x Dia.6.2cm (2.4”)

Condition

Both cups are in very good condition with no chips or cracks and are completely unused.  They were bought directly from the kiln and were packed away until now.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.