HIBANA - Handmade Bizen-yaki Ceramic Tall Cup by Ichiyou-gama

HIBANA Bizen-yaki tall teacup displays the direct effects of wood-firing across its unglazed surface. A vertical gradient of deep terracotta, ember orange, and ash-softened beige forms naturally as flame and heat move through the kiln. The subtle scorch marks and colour transitions are not applied, but created through contact with fire, making each piece a one-of-a-kind “keshiki” or landscape.

Made in Bizen, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, this piece follows a tradition defined by high-iron clay and prolonged wood-firing. With no glaze used, the surface remains fully exposed to ash and flame during firing, allowing natural reactions to determine its final appearance. The tall cylindrical form offers a comfortable upright grip, while the textured clay body provides stability and a direct sense of the material in hand.

No two cups are ever the same. Variations in kiln placement, ash fall, and temperature create unique surface patterns, recording the exact conditions of each firing.

The unglazed clay is microscopically porous and rich in iron. When used for tea, this interaction can soften perceived sharpness and create a more rounded, balanced mouthfeel. With regular use, the surface will gradually develop a patina, deepening in tone and becoming more personal over time.

Product Details

+ Dimension: Approx. D65mm x H105mm

+ Region: Bizen, Okayama, Japan

+ Potter: Ichiyou-gama

+Technique: Unglazed Wood-firing

What makes Bizen-yaki so special? >>