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

Kokuei Espresso cup set Set of 2

Name: Kokuei | Espresso Cup Set
Brand: Ohmi Ceramics
SKU: OHM-CUP-01
Price: 15840 JPY
Availability: InStock

¥15,840

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

Creation time: 6–8 weeks.
Expected Arrival: 11 May – 18 May.
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 Weight: 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

Individually Crafted
The Kokuei espresso cup set is handcrafted in small, limited batches, without molds or mass production.
Every curve, contour, and glaze layer is shaped by skilled hands, not machines.
Its refined form reflects the quiet power of wabi sabi pottery, where individuality is celebrated through subtle variations in texture, silhouette, and finish.
No two cups are ever the same.
Raw Elegance in Unglazed Form
These are not glossy or polished vessels. Each espresso cup reveals the honest beauty of unglazed pottery, with its rich, matte black tone and naturally textured surface. You’ll notice the clay’s grain, feel the warmth of its fired body, and sense the depth that only handcrafted work can offer.
This pairing of coffee cup and saucer creates a tactile experience—minimal, grounded, and full of quiet character.
Refined Details, Everyday Use
Though minimalist in appearance, these espresso set cups are anything but ordinary.
Their shape, proportion, and balance are carefully considered to enhance your daily coffee ritual. Whether used for an early morning espresso or an after-dinner pour, Kokuei’s refined presence adds intention to each moment.

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.

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.

Your moment, in black pottery

An Espresso Cup Set That Grounds the Moment

Bring calm to your table with the Kokuei espresso cup set, handcrafted to offer a quiet presence in your day; refined, simple, and deeply grounding.

Japanese handcrafted black ceramic collection beige background, Tsukushi

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Craft beyond time

Legacy in Black Clay

In the hills of Kusatsu, not far from Lake Biwa, sits a quiet studio shaped by fire, silence, and time. This is Ohmi Ceramics, a workshop dedicated to reviving the ancient art of Sue ware through the use of local clay and unglazed black pottery.

Founded in 1985, the kiln carries a legacy that bridges centuries. The region's ceramic history dates back to the 7th century, when Sue ware emerged from these very hills. That spirit continues today through Kusatsu-yaki, a recognized ceramic style rooted in discipline, restraint, and earthy refinement.
Run by the Yamamoto family, a father-and-son team of artisans, this family-owned kiln preserves tradition with quiet devotion. Every piece made here reflects this deep connection to place. It’s not just about technique. It’s about soil, fire, and the quiet continuity of craft.

Person shaping a pot on a Japanese pottery wheel with a close-up view, Tsukushi

Behind the Craft

Ohmi Ceramics

Tradition shaped by hand

Discover Ohmi Ceramics

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.

Love the product but....

still unsure about ordering from Japan?

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.

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.

Secure Shipping

Safe and reliable global delivery with tracking for your peace of mind.

100% Made in Japan

All our products are ethically crafted by local artisans in Japan

In-house operations

Tsukushi is not a dropshipping site. Every product is handled in-house for top quality and service

Customer service

We are available from Monday to Friday to answer your questions.

Kokuei Espresso cup set Set of 2

Product Details

Because You’re Not Like the Rest

Not Just a Cup, a Moment of Stillness

An Espresso Cup Set That Grounds the Moment

Legacy in Black Clay

Ohmi Ceramics

Espresso, the Japanese Way

Customer Reviews

still unsure about ordering from Japan?

We get it, ordering from overseas can feel uncertain.

Espresso Cup Set Q&A

Where Shadow Holds Shape

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