Red and White Sasanqua Japanese Teacup Pair

Red and white sasanqua blossoms spread across this pair of Japanese yunomi teacups, their petals delicately outlined in gold. Decorated in the Yoshidaya style, the saffron-yellow ground brings out the deep green leaves and vivid blossoms. The contrast between the opaque petals and translucent leaves adds variation to the painted surface, while fine kannyu, or crackling, extends across the glazed background. A warm brown rim completes the design, matching the earthy tones within the decoration.

Made as a pair in two different sizes, the cups have softly rounded forms that rest comfortably in the hand. Their outward-curving rims open the shape at the top, giving each cup a 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.