Japanese blue-and-white pottery is known as Sometsuke, literally “dye applied”, because the colour was likened to traditional indigo-dyed linen. The ceramics are decorated by hand, stencil or transfer-print with a blue pigment, traditionally cobalt oxide, over which a transparent glaze is then applied, and once fired the underglaze decorations become a vivid shade of blue. This method originated during China’s Song dynasty (960-1279) and is believed to have been perfected around the beginning of the Ming dynasty in the 14th century. Blue-and-white pottery was introduced to Japan at the start of the 17th century in the form of export Tianqi or Ko-Sometsuke ("Old Sometsuke") porcelain from Jingdezhen, which was imitated in the kilns at Arita before spreading to other areas including Kyoto, Seto, Hasami and Mikawachi, each developing their own unique variations of Sometsuke.
Teacup Set of 5
Sometsukesoka
Studio Toan
SKU
1611
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
A beautiful set of five blue-and-white egg-shaped porcelain teacups each with a unique handpainted floral design. Made at the Tōan Studio in Kyoto, renowned for their exquisite Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics. Suitable for all types of Japanese tea, Senchadō ceremonies and serving to guests.
| Product | 5-piece Teacup Set |
| Ceramic Style | Kyo-/Kiyomizu-yaki |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Studio | Tōan 陶あん |
| Volume | 225ml |
| Dimensions | Ø9cm x 7.5cm |
| Weight | 5 x 190g |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Decoration | Blue and white flowers (Sometsuke-sōka 染付草花) |
| Artist's mark | Studio stamp on base |
| Packaging | Wooden box |
Each item is handmade and unique, therefore sizing is approximate and paintings may differ slightly from the product photos
In stock
Tōan 陶あん
The Toan studio was founded in 1922 at Sennyuji Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and currently employs around 20 craftsmen at the main workshop, making them one of the largest kilns in the city today. The site where the main store is located was originally a traditional Kyoto roof tile manufacturing facility run by the first generation master of Toan. Third-generation master Dobuchi Yoshihide (土渕善英) studied sculpture in Germany and spent many years researching glazes, while fourth-generation and current kiln master Dobuchi Yoshiaki (土渕善亜貴) used this research to develop their iconic Hana Kessho (花結晶) "flower crystal" range.
Kyo-yaki 京焼
Both Kyo- and Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) are general terms, often used together or interchangeably, to refer to pottery produced in Kyoto, covering a variety of different styles. Historically Kiyomizu-yaki exclusively referred to pottery made on the road leading up to the ancient Kiyomizu Temple – now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Typical Kyoto wares are decorated with colourful hand-painted motifs using overglaze enamel pigments: a technique that appeared in the 17th century and is still a hallmark of Kyo-yaki today. From 794 to 1603 Kyoto was the imperial capital, attracting the most skilled artisans across the country. Even after the seat of government moved to Edo, present day Tokyo, Kyoto continued to be the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan.
