A sand-toned Japanese cylinder cup, handmade by Nankei Pottery in Yokkaichi from unglazed Banko-yaki clay. Holding around 200ml, it's the perfect size for a generous serving of sencha or an afternoon coffee.
Left unglazed inside and out, the porous, iron-rich clay interacts directly with your tea. Much like a traditional kyusu, it absorbs astringency and mellows bitterness for a smoother, sweeter, more rounded cup. Clean, architectural lines and a weighted base make it feel grounded in the hand, while the thick Banko-yaki walls hold warmth and give off a gentle heat for your palms.
Also available in black.
Details
- Maker: Nankei Pottery
- Material: natural unglazed clay
- Measurements: approx. 7.1 × 7.1 cm
- Capacity: approx. 200ml full, or 130ml at 70%
- Colour: sand clay
- Finish: unglazed inside and out
- As each piece is handcrafted, cups may differ slightly from piece to piece
- Made in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Explore more Nankei Pottery Japanese ceramics.
Care: Microwave safe. Hand wash only with a mild, neutral detergent and a soft sponge; avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners. Air-dry thoroughly before storing.
As this piece is unglazed, oil stains can occur more easily than on glazed ceramics, but they can usually be removed with a little detergent and 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.
