Red and White Camellia Japanese Teacup Pair

Enjoy a relaxing tea time with this pair of yunomi teacups, adorned with red and white camellias. Camellias have long been appreciated in Japan, blooming in vivid colors from winter through early spring. Opaque pigments used for the flower petals create a striking contrast with the translucent colors of the leaves and the fine kannyu, or crackling, visible across the glazed background. The warm brown edging frames the floral design and complements the subdued tones of the leaves.

The set includes one larger and one smaller cup, forming a coordinated pair. Softly rounded forms sit comfortably in the hand, while the subtly outward-curving rims complete their relaxed shape.

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.