Tokoname Ware Artist-Made Vermilion Clay Teacups (Reiko) 2 Cups, Teacup Cooler (Tokuin) Waka Tea Ceremony Sencha

This is a 3-piece set including a Shu-dei (red clay) yu-samashi (water cooler) and two yunomi (teacups).

The yu-samashi has 德印 inscribed on the bottom and is characterized by its deep red color typical of Shu-dei and its light, easy-to-handle construction.

The two yunomi are by a craftsman with the inscription 玲光.

The yunomi feature the following cursive waka poems inscribed on them, which are very evocative. They are likely hand-carved.

①
逢見ての
後の心に
くらぶれば
むかしは物を
おもはざりけり

Compared to my feelings after meeting, my past worries were nothing.

This is a poem by Mibu no Tadami, included in the Love section of the *Kokin Wakashu* (Collection of Ancient and Modern Japanese Poetry).

It is a song that expresses the sadness and deep emotions after love has been fulfilled. It depicts the psychology of love, where the heart after meeting is much more painful than the worries of love before meeting.

②
よを籠（こめ）て
とりの空すむ
ばかりとも
上にあふさかの
せきはゆるさじ

This is a famous poem by Saigyo Hoshi, included in the *Kokin Wakashu*.

Even if one were to live in the sky like a bird, forsaking the world, the Seki of Aosaka in this world would not be crossed.

This means that even if one wishes to leave the secular world, the barrier of love cannot be overcome.

This poem expresses the conflict between love and renunciation. When inscribed on a Shu-dei vessel, it seems to reflect human emotions remaining in silence, making it a very evocative tea ware.

There are no chips or cracks in any of the pieces.
The soft texture of the Shu-dei enhances the color of the tea, making it suitable for everyday use as well as for guests.

?Yu-samashi: 德印 (Please check the image as this is my amateur reading)
?2 Yunomi: 玲光 inscription
?Condition: No chips or cracks

Approximate sizes:
Yunomi
Diameter: 6.2 cm
Height: 5 cm

Yu-samashi
Diameter: 13 cm (10 cm at the narrowest point)
Height: 6.5 cm