Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a hand-thrown stoneware yunomi, a traditional Japanese daily tea cup, featuring a rustic speckled glaze and underglaze iron-red maple leaves (momiji). The cup showcases a classic wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating the natural texture of the clay and the beauty of seasonal impermanence.
Story
In Japan, autumn leaf-viewing (momijigari) is a centuries-old poetic tradition. This cup was crafted to bring that fleeting seasonal magic directly into the hands of someone enjoying a quiet, warm moment of tea.
Maker / Origin
While the base features a simple incised potter's mark resembling a stylized character or number, the specific studio remains unidentified. This is typical of regional Japanese studio kilns where local artisans focus on functional beauty rather than personal fame, carrying on generations of regional clay traditions.
Condition & Value
The cup appears to be in good vintage condition with no obvious chips or cracks on the glazed body. There is a natural firing line or wire-cut mark on the unglazed base from when it was removed from the potter's wheel, which is a common manufacturing characteristic and does not decrease its value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.