Handcrafted two black Japanese ceramic tea mugs on a beige gradation background, Tsukushi

Side view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic tea mug on a white surface with a dark background, Tsukush

Handcrafted two black Japanese ceramic tea mugs with brown accents on a gradation background, Tsukushi

Two handcrafted black Japanese ceramic tea mugs on a white surface with a dark background, Tsukushi

Close-up of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic tea mug on a dark background, Tsukushi

Top view of black Japanese ceramic tea mug on a white background, Tsukushi

Bottom view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic tea mug on a white surface with a dark background, Tsukush

Handcrafted black Japanese ceramic tea mug on a white surface with a dark background, Tsukushi

Ohmi Ceramics

Kurogazumi Ceramic coffee mug set Set of 2

Name: Kurogazumi | Ceramic Coffee Mug Set
Brand: Ohmi Ceramics
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)

¥13,200

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Delivery estimated between 10 August and 16 August.
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100% made in Japan, crafted with integrity and ethical labor practices.

Product Details

In the Box: 2 Handcrafted Coffee Mugs
Material: Unglazed Pottery
Color Palette: Charcoal Black, Ash Gray, Warm Clay
Dimensions: Approx. Diameter 3.5" × Height 3.7" (90 × 95 mm)
Weight: Approx. 7.1 oz (200 g)
Volume: Approx. 13.5 fl oz (400 ml)

Exclusivity Note: Each ceramic mug is handcrafted. Variations in glaze and form reflect the uniqueness of artisanal work.

The Kurogazumi mugs by artist Kazuma Yamamoto feel unexpectedly light, yet steady and premium in the hand.

Each mug is wheel-thrown in small batches and high-fired to a matte black finish, then finished without glaze on the body for a dry, secure grip with subtle tool traces. A small glazed band at the rim adds a smoother touch for sipping.

The rounded form and generous handle suit coffee, hojicha, or café au lait.

Customers praise their balanced and comfortable weight, and how they hold heat while still letting the drink cool at a natural pace.

More Information

Individually Crafted
Each mug in the Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set is shaped by hand using time-honored Japanese pottery techniques.
Rather than uniform perfection, you'll notice gentle variations in form and surface, signs of true craftsmanship.
These are not industrial objects, they’re personal, expressive works meant to be held and used every day.
Unglazed Surface with Natural Texture
Unlike glazed finishes, the black surface is the natural result of high-temperature firing.
As unglazed pottery, each mug retains a raw, tactile quality that feels grounded and quietly powerful.
The matte texture shifts subtly in the light, offering depth without distraction.
Balanced, Everyday Use
Minimalist in style but versatile in use, the Kurogazumi mugs work beautifully across settings, from slow mornings to quiet evenings.
Whether enjoyed for coffee or as tea mugs, they bring presence to any table.

Care Guide

About your Kurogazumi Ceramic Mugs
Even as pottery art, shaped by hand and finished with an artisan’s eye, your Kurogazumi mugs are meant to be used every day. They simply appreciate gentle handling.

Maintenance

Microwave and Dishwasher: Suitable for microwave and dishwasher use.
To help prevent chipping, place each mug with space around it so it does not touch other dishes, and avoid overcrowding.
Gentle Cleaning: when washed by hand, use mild detergent and a soft sponge. After washing, gently dry with a soft cloth.
Preservation: The surface is finished without glaze, so avoid soaking for long periods and handle carefully when stacking or storing to protect the natural texture.

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.

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Handcrafted two black Japanese ceramic tea mugs with a rustic finish on a black background, Tsukushi

Truly One of a Kind

You Deserve More Than Mass-Made

The objects you surround yourself with say something about you.

The Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set isn’t made for everyone, it's made for those who notice detail, who care about how things feel, and who choose quality that lasts.
Shaped by hand using traditional methods, each pottery mug carries small variations that make it truly one of a kind. The matte black surface, the weight, the quiet balance, none of it comes from a machine.

This isn’t mass-produced tableware, it’s a personal object, crafted slowly and with purpose, shaped by real hands and real time.
And if how you live matters to you, then this belongs in your hands.

Detail of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic tea mug on a black background, Tsukushi

Time to Breathe

Let the Stillness Find You

When life moves too fast, even small moments of stillness feel like a luxury.
The Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set offers one of those moments.

Made slowly and with care, each mug is a quiet rejection of rush and distraction, a reminder that not everything has to be immediate.
Hand-shaped with intention, each piece carries the quiet of its making, a quiet that becomes yours the moment you hold it.

This isn’t just a set of black coffee mugs, it’s an invitation to pause. With its matte surface, organic shape, and quiet balance, it reflects the values of wabi sabi pottery, beauty found in imperfection, and meaning found in presence.
Let this be your ritual: one that slows you down, gently, every day.

Handcrafted Japanese black ceramic tea mug with a rustic finish on a neutral background, Tsukushi

Cultural Notes

When Japanese Tradition Meets Coffee

In traditional Japanese pottery, cups were made for tea, not coffee.
Vessels like the chawan (茶碗) for matcha or the handleless yunomi (湯呑) reflect centuries of ritual, craftsmanship, and cultural meaning. The coffee mug, especially with a handle, was never part of that original vocabulary.
But as coffee became part of everyday life in Japan, artisans began to adapt. Shapes evolved, handles appeared, yet the commitment to quality, technique, and the wabi sabi aesthetic remained unchanged. These new forms weren’t replacements, but extensions, bridging Japanese tradition with new daily rituals.
The Kurogazumi Ceramic Coffee mug set is part of that evolution: handmade coffee mugs that honor old methods while embracing new habits.

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

Handcrafted and unglazed, each Kurogazumi mug embodies quiet refinement, balanced in form, rich in texture, and grounded in the timeless beauty of Japanese ceramic tradition.

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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.

Safe Shipping

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

Ceramic Coffee Mug Set Q&A

Can I put the Kurogazumi mugs in the microwave or dishwasher?

Yes, the Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set is safe for both microwave and dishwasher use. However, because each piece is handcrafted and finished as unglazed pottery, we recommend handling it with care.

Avoid letting the mugs touch other items in the dishwasher, as this may cause chipping, especially along the rim. After washing, dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to preserve the natural surface.

Can I use the Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set every day?

Yes, you can.
These Japanese mugs are designed to be part of your daily rhythm. Whether it’s a quiet morning at home or a mid-afternoon pause, the Kurogazumi set brings intention and beauty to ordinary moments.
Each piece is shaped by hand, with careful attention to form and texture.
While we recommend handling them mindfully, they’re perfectly suited for regular use.

Is unglazed pottery safe for food?

Yes, when properly fired at high temperatures, as with the Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set, unglazed pottery is safe for food and drink. These pottery coffee mugs are crafted using traditional Japanese methods that prioritize both quality and functionality. While their surface remains raw to the touch, they’re perfectly suited for daily use. Avoid prolonged soaking, and dry them after each wash.

Are the Kurogazumi mugs a good gift idea?

Yes, the Kurogazumi set is a refined choice among pottery gifts, perfect for those who value quiet design and craftsmanship.

Elegant and balanced, these ceramic espresso mugs bring a sense of calm to daily rituals, from slow mornings to shared moments.

A meaningful Japanese gift that feels personal and timeless.

Fine, but… what makes the Kurogazumi mugs truly special?

Every handcrafted ceramic mug in the Kurogazumi Ceramic coffee mug set is shaped slowly, with intent and care, never molded, never rushed.
The unglazed surface, subtle variations, and quiet texture embody a different kind of beauty: the kind found in time, imperfection, and human presence.
Inspired by the spirit of wabi sabi ceramics, each mug tells a slightly different story.

Can I mix the Kurogazumi mugs with Western tableware?

Yes, this ceramic coffee mug set blends seamlessly with both modern and traditional Western tableware.
Its clean lines and matte black finish create a quiet contrast that elevates any setting. While rooted in the spirit of the Japanese mug, its design feels at home beside porcelain plates, rustic ceramics, or contemporary flatware.

Can the Kurogazumi mugs be used for drinks other than coffee?

Yes.
The Kurogazumi ceramic coffee mug set, though perfect for coffee, also suits tea, matcha, herbal infusions, or a warm pour of cocoa.
Each mug feels balanced in the hand, with a tactile surface that enhances quiet moments.

With its minimalist form and artisanal texture, it fits naturally within Japandi-style mugs, where simplicity and warmth coexist.

Do you ship to the USA and Europe, and is my order insured?

Yes.
We ship to the USA, Europe, and worldwide, and every order includes tracking so you can follow its journey.
Your goods are also insured, so you’re covered from dispatch to delivery for extra peace of mind.

Japanese handcrafted black ceramic coffee Mug cups beige background design, Tsukushi

Featured Focus

A Name That Whispers

The name Kurogazumi (黒霞) combines two kanji: 黒 (kuro) meaning “black” and 霞 (kasumi) meaning “mist.” Together, they evoke the image of a soft, drifting haze, something present yet elusive, quiet yet enveloping.

This poetic contrast mirrors the character of the piece itself: matte black pottery with a muted presence, shaped by hand and grounded in stillness. The surface doesn’t shine, it absorbs light gently, like mist clinging to stone.
Kurogazumi is not just a name. It’s a feeling, the subtle depth that settles when things are left understated.