Mokubei Yunomi Japanese Teacup Pair

This pair of Japanese yunomi teacups is adorned with a lively gathering of figures, including karako children, shown playing, sitting, and interacting among elephants and plant motifs. One figure plays a flute, while the varied poses and expressions invite a closer look. Rendered in the traditional Kutani painting style known as Mokubei, the scene unfolds against the style’s characteristic vermilion-red ground.

Green, yellow, blue, and purple add contrast, bringing each small figure and motif into focus. Fine kannyu, or crackling, can be seen across the glazed surface, adding texture beneath the detailed decoration. Warm brown edging frames the decoration and complements the deep red ground.

Made as a pair in two different sizes, the cups have gently rounded forms that fit comfortably in the hand. Their slightly outward-curving rims give each cup an open, balanced profile.

Bizan Kiln

Founded in the late Meiji era, Bizan Kiln is devoted to bringing the vivid colors and enduring appeal of Kutani ware into the present day. Every piece is meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans, whose careful work gives each vessel subtle variations and a character of its own.

Carefully layered pigments create rich surfaces with gentle depth. From designs inspired by masters such as Hokusai to charming animal and floral motifs, the kiln’s creations reveal a wide range of expression, with vibrant color and assured brushwork bringing each motif vividly to life.

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.