Partners Sets

These cups sets are derived from a Japanese tradition of special pairs of yunomi called meoto yunomi (meoto means ‘married couple’).   Usually sold in boxes specially made for the cups, they are often given as wedding presents.  A yunomi is a form of teacup, being taller than wide, with a trimmed or turned foot. Unlike the more formal chawan tea bowl, which is used during the Japanese tea ceremony, the yunomi is made for daily tea drinking.

     I call my sets “Partners.”  They’re not typical yunomi; instead, for my western sensibility, more of a wine cup. These porcelain cups are gas or wood-fired with nerikomi inlay inside or out.  The cups are translucent; in sunshine you can see the shadow of the internal flower designs and your hand through the walls of the cups. The cherry or red oak boxes were specially made by my husband, Doug Gunn for these Meoto Yunomi