Banko-Yaki Yunomi Teacup Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - Sandblasted Stripe - 120ml

Name: Banko-Yaki Yunomi Teacup Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - Sandblasted Stripe - 120ml
Brand: Artisanal Japan
Price: 199.80 USD
Availability: InStock

Banko-Yaki Yunomi Teacup Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - Sandblasted Stripe - 120ml

$199.80

Included:

Suigetsu III

Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan

| Signature Sandblast

| 120ml ea

About Banko-Yaki Yunomi Teacup Pair - Shimizu Suigetsu III - Sandblasted Stripe - 120ml

Product Description

A pair of Banko-yaki yunomi by Shimizu Suigetsu III, third-generation master of the Suigetsu kiln in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture.

Fine vertical lines rise from the foot and stop just short of the rim, each ending at its own height. The pattern is carved into the clay, not painted or glazed. Suigetsu uses his signature sandblasting technique, cutting the surface back at carefully controlled depths. As each layer is removed, the colour of the clay itself changes, which gives the bands of pale silver, slate and deep charcoal against the dark purple body. The design and its colour are both part of the clay, so neither will chip or fade with use.

The form is a soft tulip. The body rounds out below, gathers at the shoulder and opens slightly at the lip, and it sits on a low, clean foot. A plain band under the rim leaves the drinking edge smooth and unworked. The interior is finished in the dark clay of the body. Set beside his sakura and maple pieces, these show a more graphic, modern side of his surface work.

Banko clay is dense and holds heat well, which suits sencha, hojicha and everyday Japanese tea. Each cup is carved by hand, so the rhythm of the lines differs slightly from one to the other.

About the Artist

Shimizu Suigetsu III is known for technical mastery and a restrained aesthetic within the Banko-yaki tradition. He has received numerous awards at national ceramic and traditional craft exhibitions, including the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and has earned more than 20 honours over his career. His work has been presented to members of the Japanese Imperial Household and is collected in Japan and internationally.

Details & Specifications

Origin: Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Artist: Shimizu Suigetsu III
Ware: Banko-yaki
Form: Yunomi teacups (pair)
Finish: Signature Sandblast Technique
Material: Purple shidei clay
Capacity: 120 ml each

Care

Rinse with warm water soon after use. No soap or dishwasher. Air-dry completely before storing.

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.