Product Description
Nankei Pottery: Cylinder Cup - Black
The purest expression of Banko-yaki: raw, refined, and made to age with you.
The Cylinder Cup in Black (Kuro-neri) is a masterclass in minimalist design. Stripped of glazes and unnecessary ornamentation, this cup celebrates the raw beauty of Yokkaichi’s iron-rich earth. It is a vessel designed for those who appreciate the tactile connection between the maker, the material, and the drink.
Crafted entirely from Kuro-neri (black clay), this cup is unglazed both inside and out, allowing the "living" nature of the ceramic to take centre stage.
Because the interior is left unglazed, the porous, iron-rich clay interacts directly with your tea. Much like a traditional Kyusu, it naturally absorbs astringency and mellows bitterness, resulting in a smoother, sweeter, and more rounded flavour profile.
The exterior has a signature matte, charcoal-black finish that is incredibly smooth to the touch. Over time, the natural oils from your hands and the tannins from your tea will develop a unique patina, giving the cup a soft, subtle luster that is entirely yours.
With its clean, architectural lines and weighted base, this cup feels grounded and substantial. It is the perfect size for a generous serving of Sencha or a contemplative afternoon coffee.
Banko-yaki clay is renowned for its ability to hold temperature, keeping your beverage warm while the thick walls provide a comfortable, radiating heat for your palms.
Details
Made in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Colour: Black clay.
Materials: Natural unglazed clay.
Finish: Unglazed exterior, unglazed interior.
Holds approximately 200ml.
Care: Hand wash only with mild and neutral detergent and soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners, as these can scratch the surface of the pottery. Allow the bowl to air-dry thoroughly before storing away.
About Nankei Pottery's unglazed cups and tablewares:
This product highlights the raw texture of the clay. While oil stains may occur more easily than on glazed items, they can typically be removed by applying a small amount of detergent and scrubbing with a brush.
Because these cups are unglazed and crafted from raw, mineral-rich earth, you may notice subtle orange blushes or tiny dark iron spots on the surface. These are not defects, but the natural mineral colours of the clay reacting to the high heat of the kiln. Each piece is a unique record of its firing, carrying the honest fingerprints of the Japanese landscape.
