Sparrow in the Snow Japanese Yunomi Teacup

This yunomi Japanese teacup was hand-painted by Kutani ware master Nakamura Toshito, who is known for his charming sparrow motifs, subtle and nuanced color palette, and exceptional ability to create balanced compositions. An adorable sparrow perched on a twig serves as the centerpiece of this design, surrounded by delicate drifting snowflakes. With its feathers fluffed up, the sparrow evokes fukura suzume, an auspicious motif associated with prosperity and good fortune. Rendered in shimmering silver pigment, the snowflakes lend the piece a luxurious touch while adding depth and dimension to the design.

The teacup features a distinctive shape that flares outward, allowing the aroma of your favorite tea or coffee to be enjoyed more fully. Thin blue lines accentuate the tall foot and inner rim, adding definition to its elegant silhouette. Fill this yunomi with your favorite Japanese tea or another warm beverage, and savor the beauty of traditional artistry in your hands.

Nakamura Toshito

Kutani ware artisan Nakamura Toshito is known for his lifelike depictions of birds and seasonal scenery, captured through meticulous brushwork. With a keen eye for composition, he carefully balances stillness and movement to create harmonious designs.

His charming sparrows, with their rounded forms and endearing expressions, reflect his distinctive artistic style. Nakamura excels in the furi technique, scattering pigments through a fine metal mesh to achieve soft gradations and a sense of depth. Through close observation and artistic mastery, Nakamura brings the natural world to life on Kutani ware.

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.