*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 VERY SMALL Utsutsugawa-ware yunomi tea cups made around 20 years ago by Yokoishi Gagyu XIII.  They are wheel-thrown and decorated with white slip and gold enamel brushwork over a high-fired stoneware base.  The exterior also features a simple pattern of lines suggestive of autumn grass swaying in the breeze.  The signature of the potter can be found on the bottom of each cup, and they come with their original signed wooden storage box.  THESE CUPS ARE VERY SMALL, PLEASE CHECK THE MEASUREMENTS CAREFULLY BEFORE ORDERING.  ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASEN TEA WHISK IS NOT INCLUDED.

Yokoishi Gagyu (b.1925) is the 13th Master of Gagyu kiln located in Nagasaki, Kyushu.  In 1975 he was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Nagasaki Prefecture, which is just one step away from becoming a National Living Treasure.  He has been awarded many prizes throughout his career including first prize at the prestigious National Traditional Crafts Exhibition.  He is perhaps best known for reviving traditional techniques associated with Utsutsugawa-ware, and also for his contribution to modern day Arita-ware.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Utsutsugawa-ware refers to pottery produced in the old Hizen province located in modern day Nagasaki prefecture.  It’s very thin-bodied, like porcelain, and the clay highly refined despite being rich in iron and dark in colour.  It’s a very sophisticated stoneware and often referred to as the Kyoto pottery of Hizen by those in the know.

Sizes

Box:  H.9.5cm (3.7”) x 18.1cm (7.1”) x 10.3cm (4”)

Cups:  H.8.1cm (3.1”) x Dia.5.2cm (2”)

Condition

Both cups are in very good condition with no chips or cracks.

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.