Showa period, 1970s–1980s
Japanese Vintage Monk Teacup, 300 ml
Notify when back in stock
Sign inThis large tea cup (yunomi) is an incredibly charismatic find from the late Showa period (circa 1970s–1980s). It features classic underglaze cobalt porcelain from the Mino (Mino-yaki) or Arita (Arita-yaki) regions.
The bottom of the cup clearly and neatly displays the kanji 一力 (Ichiriki) in cobalt. This is the signature of a renowned Japanese workshop specializing in high-quality everyday tableware with traditional folk motifs. The distinctive brown ferrous ring (unofu) on the foot rim accentuates the vintage, handcrafted character of the piece.
The cup depicts an authentic scene of "wild geese and a hermit monk." The illustration is executed in a free, painterly sumi-e (ink wash painting) style, transferred onto porcelain. The narrative unfolds around the cup: we see a comical hermit monk or fisherman, sitting in a meditative or relaxed pose, wrapped in a thick cloak. His face is drawn with clear humor and kindness. Nearby, a classic East Asian scene with a crocodile and mountains unfolds. The stripes and strokes on the cup's walls imitate traditional bamboo fences or reeds, adding a cozy, rustic atmosphere to the design.
Specifications
- Category
- Teaware
- Type
- Cups
- Material
- Porcelain
- Volume
- 300 ml
- Producer
- Ichiriki Workshop
- Origin
- Japan
- Packaging
- Gift box
Description
This large tea cup (yunomi) is an incredibly charismatic find from the late Showa period (circa 1970s–1980s). It features classic underglaze cobalt porcelain from the Mino (Mino-yaki) or Arita (Arita-yaki) regions.
The bottom of the cup clearly and neatly displays the kanji 一力 (Ichiriki) in cobalt. This is the signature of a renowned Japanese workshop specializing in high-quality everyday tableware with traditional folk motifs. The distinctive brown ferrous ring (unofu) on the foot rim accentuates the vintage, handcrafted character of the piece.
The cup depicts an authentic scene of "wild geese and a hermit monk." The illustration is executed in a free, painterly sumi-e (ink wash painting) style, transferred onto porcelain. The narrative unfolds around the cup: we see a comical hermit monk or fisherman, sitting in a meditative or relaxed pose, wrapped in a thick cloak. His face is drawn with clear humor and kindness. Nearby, a classic East Asian scene with a crocodile and mountains unfolds. The stripes and strokes on the cup's walls imitate traditional bamboo fences or reeds, adding a cozy, rustic atmosphere to the design.