Sienna Strata Cup

A vivid vermilion-red surface and a gently flared rim give this handmade Tokoname cup a warm, lively presence. The lower body is wrapped in closely spaced horizontal grooves, interrupted by irregular raised patches that recall weathered layers of stone. Smooth clay above the textured band and around the foot provides a striking contrast.

The cup widens towards its open rim and rests on a neat raised foot. Its unglazed interior is smooth, while the base bears the Gyokko workshop stamp. With a 60 ml brim capacity and a practical serving capacity of 40 ml, it is well suited to enjoying small portions of Japanese tea.

Explore more pieces in the Sienna collection: Sienna Horizon Kyusu, Sienna Echo Kyusu, Sienna Hearth Kyusu, Sienna Dawn Shiboridashi.

Written by Sven

About Gyokko

Founded in 1961, Gyokko is a family-run shokunin pottery workshop in Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. Now in its third generation, the studio produces handmade Japanese teaware, including kyusu teapots, shiboridashi and tea cups, combining traditional craftsmanship with precision, functionality and understated beauty.

The production of a Gyokko teapot involves around 40 steps, shared among experienced craftspeople. The body, lid, spout and handle are individually shaped and carefully assembled. Particular attention is paid to the fit of the lid, the angle of the spout for a clean pour, and the position of the handle for comfortable use. The result is teaware that combines the subtle character of handmade ceramics with the reliability and refinement of skilled craftsmanship.

Below is a video of our visit to the Gyokko workshop in Tokoname, where we commissioned the teaware pieces now available at the Nannuoshan shop.

Japanese teaware categories

Japanese teaware can broadly be distinguished into three categories: kikai, commercially produced teaware; shokunin, handmade pieces made by skilled craftspeople; and sakka, works by individual ceramic artists.

Gyokko belongs to the shokunin tradition, where a master develops original designs that skilled potters reproduce entirely by hand. The emphasis is on technical mastery, functionality, and ergonomics. Rather than creating one-of-a-kind art objects, the workshop produces carefully designed pieces that excel in handling and pouring, combining remarkable consistency with the craftsmanship of handmade teaware at an accessible price.

Learn more about the three levels of Japanese pottery in this video.