Banko-Yaki Teacup, Gold-Accented, Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - 230ml

Name: Banko-Yaki Teacup, Gold-Accented, Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - 230ml
Brand: Artisanal Japan
Price: 298.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Banko-Yaki Teacup, Gold-Accented, Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - 230ml

$298.00

Included: 2x Yunomi teacups, original signed wooden box with documents

Shimizu Suigetsu III

Mie Prefecture, Japan

Purple Shidei Clay | Sandblasted carving with real gold accents

Yunomi teacups | 230ml

About Banko-Yaki Teacup, Gold-Accented, Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - 230ml

This matching pair of Banko-yaki yunomi teacups is made by Shimizu Suigetsu III, a highly respected third-generation Banko-yaki potter in Japan. His work is known for technical refinement and a quiet, disciplined approach to surface design, rooted firmly in the Banko tradition.

The cups feature a deep purple toned clay body decorated with seasonal floral and maple leaf motifs, created using his signature sandblasting technique. The designs are cut into the clay at carefully controlled depths, allowing the clay to naturally reveal subtle tonal shifts and layered surface variation. This creates an atmospheric effect that feels integral to the clay itself rather than applied on top.

Select details within the pattern are finished with real gold, applied sparingly as accents. The gold is used with restraint, catching light softly and providing visual balance without overpowering the overall composition.

The yunomi are comfortably weighted with gently rounded rims, designed for everyday tea drinking. The pair is intentionally made with a subtle difference in size, with one cup slightly larger and the other slightly smaller, reflecting a traditional masculine and feminine balance often seen in paired Japanese vessels. Together they form a harmonious set while remaining individually distinct.

Banko ware is valued for its heat retention and smooth interior finish, making these cups well suited for sencha, hojicha, and daily Japanese teas. The form is intentionally simple, allowing the surface work to remain the focus while still feeling natural in the hand.

This set is offered as a matched pair and includes the original signed wooden box, suitable for gifting or for collectors of Japanese ceramics.

About the Artist

Shimizu Suigetsu III has received numerous awards in Japanese ceramic and traditional craft exhibitions, including recognition from the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. Over his career, he has earned more than 20 honors for his work. He has also been invited to present works to members of the Japanese Imperial Household, and his ceramics have been exhibited both in Japan and internationally, reflecting his standing within the Banko-yaki tradition.

Details

Origin: Mie Prefecture, Japan
Artist: Shimizu Suigetsu III
Capacity: 230 ml
Style: Yunomi teacups (pair)
Material: Clay
Technique: Sandblasted carving with real gold accents
Includes: 2x Yunomi teacups, original signed wooden box with documents
Use: Sencha, hojicha, everyday Japanese tea

Teaware Care

Japanese teaware is made to be used and enjoyed. With simple, consistent care, your kyusu, shiboridashi, hōhin, yunomi, and matcha ware can age beautifully over many years.

In most cases, the best approach is also the simplest: clean soon after use, use warm water, and allow every piece to dry completely before storing.

Everyday Care

After each tea session, remove the leaves and rinse your teaware as soon as possible. Letting wet leaves or tea sit for too long can lead to odors, staining, and moisture problems, especially in unglazed clay or more porous glazed wares.

For routine cleaning, warm water and a gentle hand rinse are usually enough.

Once rinsed, allow the piece to dry fully before storing it. This matters most for kyusu, shiboridashi, hōhin, and porous chawan, where moisture can linger in spouts, lids, filters, and clay bodies. Wiping with a clean cloth is fine, but air-drying is still important, especially for more absorbent wares.

What to Avoid

Avoid soap, bleach, harsh cleaners, and abrasive scrubbers on most handmade teaware.

This is especially important for unglazed interiors and porous glazes, which can absorb residues and affect the character of future brews. Dishwashers are also best avoided for most handcrafted teaware, as heat, detergents, and vibration can be hard on delicate or handmade pieces.

Unglazed Clay

Unglazed clay teapots and brewing vessels should generally be cleaned with water only. These clays can interact subtly with water and tea, and they may absorb soap or lingering aromas.

Tea stains in unglazed kyusu are not necessarily a problem. A gentle patina is often a natural part of regular use and can become part of the piece’s character over time.

Porous Glazes

More porous glazed wares need slightly more attention. Pieces with porous glazes can absorb moisture and slowly develop character through use.

Because of that porosity, these wares should be rinsed promptly after use and dried thoroughly. Soap is best avoided, since it can seep into the clay or glaze.

Kyusu Tips

Cleaning all of the leaves out of a kyusu can sometimes be difficult, especially with narrow openings or built-in filters.

A useful method is to fill the pot with water, swirl it gently to loosen the leaves, and pour them out. If small leaves cling to the filter, use a soft brush such as an old toothbrush very gently, then rinse again through the spout to ensure it is clear.

Storage

Store teaware only when completely dry. Trapped moisture can lead to mold or stale smells. For more absorbent pieces, give them extra air-drying time before putting them away in cupboards or boxes.