Inoue Tea Nami Mino-yaki Yunomi

Mino-yaki is a traditional style of Japanese pottery originating from Gifu Prefecture, known for its diverse glazes and long history. This specific cup uses coarse, local clay characteristic of the region, which provides a unique, tactile feel and durability that mass-produced ceramics often lack.

The tapered silhouette and wider rim are intentional design choices. This shape allows heat to dissipate gently, making the cup comfortable to hold, while simultaneously concentrating the tea's aroma toward the rim for a more immersive sensory experience.

While this stoneware is durable and built for daily use, we recommend hand washing to preserve the integrity of the natural glaze over time. Because of the natural clay composition, it is generally best to avoid extreme temperature shocks, such as placing it in a microwave.

Yes, this piece is designed to develop character with regular handling. The natural stoneware and glaze will subtly evolve, absorbing oils from your hands and tea over time, which is a hallmark of the wabi-sabi philosophy that celebrates aging and use.

A 10-ounce capacity is slightly larger than a traditional Japanese yunomi, which are often smaller. This makes it a versatile choice if you prefer a larger serving of tea or want to use the vessel for coffee.