Pair of Shino and Oribe Teacups

A pair of teacups by renowned potter Tamaoki Yasuo - one in the Shino style and one in the Oribe style - which are substyles of Mino ware from Gifu Prefecture.

Shino ware traces its history back to the late 16th century in Japan. It is characterised by a thick, milky-white feldspar glaze, which often exhibits subtle pinkish or reddish hues due to iron content.  The textured pinholes on the surface are known as yuzuhada or "citrus skin" texture.

Oribe ware developed in Japan in the early 17th century. It typically has a vibrant green copper glaze and bold, often asymmetrical designs. The green glaze is achieved by the use of copper oxide. The vivdness of Oribe ware, combined with often innovative shapes differentiates it from other, more subdued tea ware styles.

• Contents: 2 Teacups, each wrapped in yellow ukon-fu cloth
• Teacup dimensions: 6cm top diameter x 9cm (H)
• Packaging: Original wooden box
• Condition: The teacups are unused and were kept in long-term storage. The box and cloths have age appropriate darkening and spots due to storage.  

Tamaoki Yasuo was born in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture in 1941 as the 4th generation of Gyokuzan-gama (family kiln). He started working at the family kiln after graduating from high shool and studied under Kato Kobei. In 1963 he won his first award at the Tajimi City Art Exhibition for a Shino ware vase. He became a full member of the Japan Crafts Association in 1986 and in 2002 was designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property by Tajimi City for Oribe ware. In 2008 he was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property (Oribe) Holder by Gifu Prefecture. He has held many solo exhibitions across Japan and has won multiple awards. He signs his works with a trademark “ヤ” ("ya") character, which refers to his first name of Yasuo.

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Mino ware (美濃焼, Minoyaki) refers to a broad category of ceramics produced in the Mino region (modern Gifu Prefecture) and has been a major part of Japanese pottery since the Momoyama period (late 16th century). Among its many styles, Shino and Oribe are two of the most famous and influential.

Shino ware was the first white-glazed pottery in Japan. It is known for its soft, milky glaze, subtle reddish tones, and rustic, organic forms. It often features iron-painted designs under the glaze, evoking natural themes. Shino embodies the wabi-sabi spirit—valuing imperfection and natural beauty.

Oribe ware followed Shino and is much more experimental. It introduced bold innovations: vivid green copper glazes, dramatic asymmetry, and playful, abstract designs. Oribe represents a more daring, artistic side of Mino ware, often associated with the tastes of the tea master Furuta Oribe.