Due to entering a busy season at work, shipping may be suspended. Please be sure to read my profile. m(_ _)m. ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ This is a set of two teacups from Kutani Masamine (made by Toumei). These teacups feature a beautiful contrast of black glaze and gold leaf. This is a piece with underglaze gold leaf, where transparent glaze is applied over the gold leaf and then fired. Kutani ware's gold leaf technique is said to be a very luxurious method, using gold leaf approximately 7 times thicker than usual. These teacups also have a shine that reflects the thickness of the gold leaf. In particular, the luxurious design features gold leaf applied all around the body of the teacups. The soft gradation created by the transparent glaze (cool blue and light indigo for one, and a calm, slightly purplish red for the other) and the fine crazing characteristic of pottery create a deep and rich scenery. Also, the black glaze around the rim seems to prevent stains from tea leaves and the like from easily adhering. It's a functional beauty that enhances the shine of the gold leaf without compromising the appearance of the rim.^_^. * The color may appear slightly different depending on the lighting and natural light. The dimensions are: [Teacup Blue] Diameter approx. 7cm, Height approx. 9cm. [Teacup Red] Diameter approx. 6.3cm, Height approx. 8.3cm. These are two sizes often referred to as "couple teacups." You can use them individually or as a pair, and choose based on size or color preference. Enjoy a fulfilling tea time with new tableware. How about starting this New Year with them?^_^. These are unused, beautiful items received as gifts from my parents' home. There are no cracks, chips, or water stains. Please consider them with an understanding of home storage. Please forgive any original forming marks, glaze unevenness, or minor storage scratches. Also, there is fine crazing throughout the entire piece (see photos). Please understand this as part of the charm of pottery. The crazing reflects the gold leaf, creating a tasteful scenery like ice crack patterns. (^^). The original box has personal information written on it that cannot be removed, so it will be shipped without the box. It will be securely packed with bubble wrap, etc. Arita ware Kiyomizu ware Kyo ware Imari ware Mino ware Seto ware Hasami ware Mikawachi ware Ko-Imari Tea ceremony utensils Teacup Teacup Barley tea Oolong tea Plain hot water Coffee Black tea Tea Free cup * * * *