Manganese ceramic cup from the Tokinoha workshop

This coffee or tea cup from the Tokinoha studio features a slender silhouette, with material that appears carved from dark rock in a beautiful display of glazes. The matte surface, a deep, slightly brownish grey, reveals subtle nuances and traces of drips, as if frozen by the heat of the kiln. The piece as a whole exudes an impression of calm and rigor, faithful to the sober, contemporary aesthetic of Kyoto’s Japanese ceramics.

The ceramicist
Founded in Kyoto by Daisuke and Tomoe Kiyomizu, the Tokinoha studio distinguishes itself through an approach that bridges traditional craftsmanship and modern design (Daisuke is a descendant of the famous Kiyomizu family, guardians of the tradition of Kyoto’s kiyomizu-yaki.). The pieces, handmade by the studio’s ceramicists, bear the mark of a reflection on simplicity and texture, seeking to express the beauty of everyday life through pure, balanced forms.

Technique and decoration
This cup is crafted from ceramic, using a manganese-rich clay, a natural element that gives the piece its characteristic grey-brown hue. The surface, intentionally left matte, testifies to a reduction firing that brings out metallic nuances and traces of the fire. Inside, the irregular drips visible in the light are the result of a slight excess of glaze that partially vitrified during firing, creating organic, unpredictable effects. This contrast between the rigor of the form and the spontaneity of the decoration reflects the spirit of Tokinoha: a constant dialogue between mastery and chance, between the human gesture and the natural transformation of the material.

Practical information
Place of manufacture
Japan (Kyoto)

Dimensions
Diameter 8.8 cm - Height 6.5 cm

Weight
100 g

Materials
Ceramic (manganese clay)

Period
Contemporary

Care instructions
After use, empty any water and leave to air dry. Avoid thermal shock and abrasive products. Wipe with a soft cloth. Not suitable for dishwasher, oven, or microwave.