Two set of handcrafted black Japanese potteries espresso cup and saucer on gray background, Tsukush

Side view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer set on a light gray background, Tsukushi

Top view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer on a beige background, Tsukushi

Close-up of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer set on a dark background, Tsukushi

Bottom view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer on a dark background, Tsukushi

Two set of handcrafted black Japanese potteries espresso cup and saucer on a gray background, Tsukushi

Ohmi Ceramics

Kokuei Espresso cup set Set of 2

Name: Kokuei | Espresso Cup Set
Brand: Ohmi Ceramics

¥15,840

Crafted for you
This piece is handmade by the artisan exclusively to order.

Creation time: 6–8 weeks.
Expected Arrival: 4 October – 11 October.
Learn how it’s made →

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100% made in Japan, crafted with integrity and ethical labor practices.

Product Details

In the Box: 2 Handcrafted Coffee Cups + 2 Handcrafted Saucers
Material: Unglazed Pottery
Color Palette: Charcoal Black, Ash Gray, Warm Clay
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Cup Dimensions: Approx. Diameter 2.8" × Height 2.2" (70 × 55 mm)
Cup Weight: Approx. 3.7 oz (105 g)
Cup Volume: Approx. 5.1 fl oz (150 ml)
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Saucer Dimensions: Approx. Diameter 5.5" × Height 1.0" (140 × 25 mm)
Saucer Weight: Approx. 6.3 oz (180 g)

Exclusivity Note: Each coffee cup and saucer is handcrafted. Variations in glaze and form reflect the uniqueness of artisanal work.

Handcrafted in small batches by artist Kazuma Yamamoto, the Kokuei Espresso Cup Set features calm, rounded-profile cups and wide saucers that frame them like a shadow.

The dark glaze layers gently, shifting from charcoal to deep black where the light falls, while the rim stays smooth for an easy sip.
Subtle tool traces and a natural foot ring break the sameness of mass-produced cups, and the handle sits comfortably for steady pours.

Made for daily use, it suits espresso, macchiato, herbal tea, or a rich after-dinner liqueur, and the saucer keeps drips off a desk, tray, or linen.

More Information

One of a Kind, Never Repeated
Each Kokuei espresso cup set is shaped by hand in small batches, without industrial molds or factory repetition.
This gives every piece its own identity. Slight differences in profile, texture, and finish are not flaws, but signs of true craftsmanship.
Because the final character is shaped by both the artisan’s touch and the firing process, no two sets are ever exactly alike.
Artistic Craft in a Dark, Tactile Finish
The beauty of Kokuei lies in its quiet, restrained craftsmanship. Instead of relying on shine or decoration, the set stands out through its matte black surface, balanced proportions, and tactile presence.
Each piece is formed from clay and finished without glaze, allowing the fired surface to reveal a raw elegance that feels both refined and deeply authentic.
Cultural Heritage of the Kokuei Espresso Cup Set
The name Kokuei suggests depth, shadow, and quiet strength, qualities that suit this understated espresso cup set well. While made for coffee, it reflects the spirit of Japanese pottery, where beauty is often found in texture, restraint, and subtle irregularity.
Its character connects naturally with wabi sabi pottery, making Kokuei a contemporary expression of Japanese ceramic culture.

Care Guide

About your Kokuei Espresso Cup Set
Even as artisanal pottery, your Kokuei cup and saucer are made for everyday espresso moments. They simply ask for calm, mindful handling.

Maintenance

Microwave and Dishwasher: Safe for microwave and dishwasher use. In the dishwasher, place the cup and saucer separately, with space around each piece so they do not touch other items. This helps prevent knocks along the unglazed edges.
Gentle Cleaning: If washed by hand, use a soft sponge, warm water, and mild soap. Rinse well, then dry completely with a soft cloth to keep the matte surface clean and refined.
Preservation: Avoid long soaking.
Store in a dry, well-ventilated place, and handle gently when stacking to protect the natural, glaze-free finish.

The Artist

Kazuma Yamamoto

Location: Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Technique: Kusatsu Ware
Tradition: Sue ware / Shigaraki ware

Kazuma Yamamoto continues his father Yoshinori's mission at the Ohmi Ceramics Research Institute: reviving Kusatsu-yaki, a regional tradition that had nearly disappeared.

Drawing on the ancient spirit of Sue ware, Kazuma fires each piece slowly, coaxing the clay's natural tones into a deep, smoldering black. Rather than glaze, he uses a mud drawn from the shores of Lake Biwa, which melts at roughly 1,100°C (far below the usual 1,250°C) giving his work its distinctive texture and depth.

Through patient, hands-on craftsmanship, Kazuma keeps a fading regional technique alive, one vessel at a time.

Learn more

Two set of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer on a black background, Tsukushi

For the Moments You Value

Because You’re Not Like the Rest

Not everything deserves a place in your life.
Some things are just objects, easily found, easily forgotten. This is not one of them.

The Kokuei espresso cup set belongs to a quieter world: one shaped by hand, fired with care, and grounded in the traditions of Japanese craft. Each piece's surface is unglazed, its form intentional, its weight and balance the result of discipline, not chance.
If you value presence over polish and depth over decoration, this piece is for you.
Because the things you use, the pauses you protect, and the rituals you return to, they matter.
This is not just another espresso set; it’s a moment of calm in the chaos.
And you deserve that.

Close-up of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer on a dark background, Tsukushi

Beauty That Makes You Pause

Not Just a Cup, a Moment of Stillness

There’s noise everywhere: notifications, headlines, clocks ticking forward, but not here.
The Kokuei espresso cup set offers something rare: quiet.
Its unglazed black clay doesn’t call attention to itself; it simply rests, grounded and calm.
Holding one of these ceramic espresso cups is like taking a breath. There’s weight, texture, stillness, yet no shine or distractions, just a moment that’s yours, alone.

Ultimately, it’s not about coffee; it’s about creating space.
Even five minutes can feel like enough to recharge, when they’re truly quiet.

Two set of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer on a light gray background, Tsukushi

Cultural Notes

Espresso, the Japanese Way

For centuries, Japanese ceramics revolved around tea. From the quiet strength of the chawan to the everyday grace of the yunomi, form and ritual were inseparable.
But over time, coffee found its place, first in kissaten cafés, then in daily life, and with it, a quiet transformation began.
Across Japan, master potters started shaping vessels not only for matcha, but also for coffee. The material remained the same. So did the philosophy: balance, intention, texture, stillness.

With the Kokuei espresso cup set, you don’t just drink coffee. You experience it through the lens of wabi sabi aesthetic, a sense of calm, beauty, and presence, held in unglazed black clay. A modern ritual, shaped by timeless hands.

Shelves filled with various Japanese ceramic pots and teapots in a black and white photo, Tsukushi

Shaped in silence, each cup in the Kokuei espresso cup set reflects the quiet strength of unglazed black pottery; grounded, tactile, and made for still moments. Japanese Pottery at its finest.

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We get it, ordering from overseas can feel uncertain.

That’s why we treat every order with personal care, just like we’re sending it to a friend.
From careful in-house packaging to full tracking and responsive support, Tsukushi's team is here to make sure your experience feels thoughtful, safe, and smooth; from Japan to your doorstep.
You’re not just buying a product, you’re trusting us with something meaningful.

We take that seriously.

In-house Packaging

Packed by hand with multiple protective layers for a safe arrival.

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100% insured & tracked door to door.
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Learn More About Kokuei

Espresso Cup Set Q&A

Is the Kokuei espresso cup set safe for the microwave or dishwasher?

Yes, the Kokuei espresso cup set can be used in both the microwave and dishwasher.
That said, it’s important to treat each piece with care.
We recommend placing the cups and saucers separately in the dishwasher to prevent contact with each other or other items, as unglazed pottery edges may be more sensitive to chipping. Avoid prolonged soaking and always dry thoroughly after washing.

Can I use the Kokuei espresso cup set every day?

Absolutely.
This espresso cups set is made for everyday use.
Its balanced form, natural texture, and grounded feel make it both functional and calming, perfect for morning rituals or quiet breaks.
As part of refined Japanese tableware, each piece brings intention and presence to your daily routine.
Though unglazed pottery benefits from gentle care, these are not display pieces.

Is unglazed pottery like Kokuei food safe?

Yes.
When fired at high temperatures, as with traditional Sue ware in Japan, unglazed pottery becomes dense and suitable for daily use.

The Kokuei espresso cup set is made from carefully selected clay and finished without glaze, then fired at a temperature that ensures stability and durability. This technique follows the same approach used for centuries in Japanese unglazed pottery.

Is the Kokuei espresso cup set a good gift?

Yes.
If you’re searching for Japanese gifts that carry meaning and presence, the Kokuei espresso cup set offers something truly refined, quiet, grounded, and intentional.
Each piece is shaped by hand from natural clay, then high-fired without glaze to achieve its distinctive matte black finish. The result is a set that brings stillness to daily rituals.

Ok but… what makes the Kokuei espresso cup set so special?

In a world of mass-produced pottery, the Kokuei espresso cup set stands apart.
Each cup is shaped slowly by hand, without molds or machines.
You can feel it in the weight, the balance, the quiet irregularity that only human hands can create. This is the essence of handmade Japanese ceramics, not just objects, but expressions of time, focus, and care.

Can I mix the Kokuei espresso cup set with my Western tableware?

Absolutely.
The Kokuei espresso cup set blends beautifully with Western pieces, offering quiet contrast through form, texture, and tone.
Its unglazed black finish and minimalist shape pair just as naturally with porcelain or stoneware as they do with wood or glass. That’s the strength of refined Japanese tableware, it doesn’t demand attention. It brings balance.

Are the Kokuei cups suitable for daily use?

Yes, as every proper espresso cup, it can be used every day.

The Kokuei espresso cup set is made for regular espresso moments, but it also works nicely for small pours like herbal tea, sake, or an after-dinner liqueur.
Its size feels practical, and the unglazed surface adds a calm, tactile touch to everyday use.

Do you offer worldwide shipping with tracking and insurance?

Yes.
We ship worldwide, including the US and EU, and every order includes tracking and insurance for peace of mind.
We also treat every piece with the utmost care, packing it thoughtfully and handling each shipment as if it were our own.

Top view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic espresso cup and saucer on a light gray background, Tsukushi

Featured Focus

Where Shadow Holds Shape

The name Kokuei (黒影) is written with two kanji: 黒 (koku) meaning “black” and 影 (ei) meaning “shadow” or “silhouette.”
Together, they evoke more than just color. Kokuei suggests quiet form, depth, and the kind of stillness that lingers just out of the light.
Like a shadow cast across still water, this espresso cup set is grounded yet subtle, defined not by brightness but by presence. Its matte black surface, formed in unglazed clay, reflects nothing, and in doing so, reveals everything: texture, weight, intention.
Kokuei is not made to stand out. It’s made to hold space, silently.