Japanese Kumidashi Tea Cup Set with Tomobako, 1970s

This refined set of five Japanese kumidashi tea cups was originally made for serving sencha or gyokuro—small cups that sit lightly in the hand and are designed to let aroma and flavour open up beautifully.

Dimensions: height 7 cm, width 9 cm, depth 9 cm.

The design feels strikingly clean and contemporary, with a soft rounded bowl resting on an openworked foot. That sculptural foot gives the set a distinctive presence—equally strong on the table and as a display piece.

The glaze is a warm white with fine crackle, subtly lively in the light. Soft blue-green “drip” accents run down the sides, adding calm, characterful detail to each cup.

The set comes with its original tomobako (wooden storage box). The lid reads “kumidashi set”, and the maker’s inscription on the box mentions Juka/Juoka. The cups are in perfect condition, with no damage.

Today, they are not only beautiful for Japanese tea, but also ideal as small coffee cups for a short lungo, a delicate cappuccino, or even as dessert cups for something small and refined.