Kumidashi: The Elegant Japanese Tea Cup Tradition

In the world of Japanese tea, vessels are more than functional—they shape the entire experience. Among them, the kumidashi (汲み出し) stands out for its refined form and thoughtful purpose.

What is a Kumidashi?
Kumidashi are wide, shallow cups traditionally used for high-grade green teas such as gyokuro or sencha. Their open shape allows the tea’s aroma to gently rise, its color to be fully appreciated, and its temperature to be enjoyed at its most delicate point.

Kumidashi vs. Yunomi
While the yunomi is a taller, everyday cup for casual tea drinking, the kumidashi is used for more formal, mindful occasions—often when serving guests a first, exquisite brew. The shallow profile and thin rim are intentional, inviting the drinker to savor each sip slowly.

A Brief History
The use of kumidashi can be traced back to tea culture in the Edo period (1603–1868), where presentation and seasonality were as important as taste. Over time, potters refined the shape and glazing to suit different teas, creating a tradition that blends utility and art.

Kotaro Ikura’s Celadon Kumidashi
Contemporary ceramic artist Kotaro Ikura brings this tradition into the present with his celadon-glazed kumidashi. Each cup is hand-carved with facets, glazed in pale blue, and finished with an exceptionally thin rim—a testament to his skill. His signature is inscribed on the base, marking each as a unique work of craft.

In using a kumidashi, you’re not just drinking tea—you’re connecting with centuries of Japanese culture, and with the quiet pleasure of truly seeing, smelling, and tasting your tea.

Explore our Celadon Kumidashi Cup by Kotaro Ikura to bring this tradition into your home.

The Kodo Kiyooka Rinka Plate, with its delicate, petal-like edges and subtly crackled glaze, embodies the organic beauty of Japanese ceramics. Paired with the aged patina of a 150-year-old vintage tea bowl, holding a rich matcha hue, this scene evokes the quiet refinement of a traditional tea moment.

Running from December 11, 2024, to March 19, 2025, this landmark showcase spans over 1,200 square meters and includes monumental installations, sculptures, drawings, and archival materials from her 20+ year career.

Known for her intricate, web-like installations crafted with interwoven threads, Shiota invites visitors into ethereal spaces that challenge perceptions of memory, absence, and connection. One such centerpiece is Uncertain Journey, a stunning composition of red wool and a metal frame that feels simultaneously fragile and enduring.

This exhibition is a departure from her more intimate New York shows, such as the one at MoMA PS1 in 2003, yet the emotional resonance remains universal. Through her art, Shiota conveys the tremors of the soul, drawing from personal experiences and the collective human condition.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the awe-inspiring craft of an artist who transforms spaces into immersive realms of wonder and introspection.