Housei Yamada’s Full Relief Carving Japanese-Style Pair of Cups

These cups were custom-made decades ago and have been carefully kept unused ever since. They feature traditional Japanese lucky patterns carved in full relief.

Housei Yamada is a renowned teapot artist (potter) from Tokoname, Japan. In the early stages of his career, he collaborated with various carvers. Later, he began working closely with his mother, whose touch brought a graceful elegance to his pieces. These particular cups showcase carvings done by his mother.

Housei’s work—both teapots and tea cups—is known for its elegant curves and soft lines, giving a warm, gentle, and refined impression. 

“Full relief carving to the body and the lid” is rare, and among such works, pieces featuring four different patterns are even more exceptional. This particular pair of cups is especially remarkable—the same pattern is carved on both the lid and body, with shape, color, glow, and motif achieving a high level of harmony while preserving an extraordinary delicacy.

Artist : HOUSEI Yamada  (1950~2016)

About Our Shop