Japanese Ceramic Tea Cup with Calligraphy
Decorative art, ceramic vessel (Yunomi tea cup) • Unidentified Japanese ceramic workshop or artisan
Style & Movement
Traditional Japanese Craft (Mingei influence) / Contemporary Japanese Tableware
Medium & Technique
Glazed ceramic, wheel-thrown with underglaze hand-painted calligraphy and color blocking
Creation Period
Late 20th century to contemporary
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height: 4 inches, diameter: 3 inches; cylindrical vessel format
Subject Description
A cylindrical ceramic tea cup featuring a band of dark glaze with white Japanese characters (kanji) encircling the center, bordered by reddish-brown or rust-colored bands at the rim and base. The interior is a pale blue-grey glaze.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition, no visible chips, cracks, or major surface abrasions upon visual inspection
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $45
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir, import, or from a specialty Asian housewares retailer; private domestic collection
Art Historical Significance
Representative of everyday Japanese utilitarian craft and the export market for traditional-style ceramics, bridging functional daily objects with aesthetic kanji motifs.
Notable Features
Contrasting color bands of reddish-rust and deep indigo/black, accented by legible white calligraphy characters on the body
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear consistent with light use or handling
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash with mild detergent; no special conservation required beyond standard fragile object care