Kumidashi: The Elegant Japanese Tea Cup Tradition

Aug 12

Beautiful celadon Kumidashi tea cup by Kotaro Ikura — Celadon Kumidashi Tea Cup by Kotaro Ikura

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

Yunomi by Atsushi Ogata — Yunomi cup by Atsushi Ogata

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.

Japan Suite

Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.

Kumidashi: The Elegant Japanese Tea Cup Tradition

Boxed In Beauty: A Digest of the New York Times Article on Japan’s Deeply Rooted Packaging Culture

Kiriko Glass Art: A Timeless Japanese Tradition