The Iron Star Cup — Shino Wood-Fired Teacup

The Iron Star Cup — Ancient, Silent, Entire

This cup does not announce itself. It simply sits — dark, heavy, and complete — waiting for you to look more closely. When you do, the surface opens: hundreds of mineral stars scattered across iron-black earth, gold and white and deep rust-red, crystallised in the wood fire and frozen there for good. It is a cup that rewards patience and rewards return.

Glaze & Surface: A dense iron-black and deep brown glaze covers the full exterior, into which countless mineral particles have fused and erupted during the wood firing — forming a constellation of beige, gold, and warm white specks across the entire surface. Many of these specks are ringed with a faint halo, creating small eye-like formations that give the surface an almost cellular, geological character. In areas of concentrated heat, deep wine-red and rust mineral patches have developed, adding warmth and complexity to what at first appears simply dark. The texture is rough and highly tactile — every millimetre of this surface holds something worth examining. The interior is deep black, still, and light-absorbing — a quiet counterpart to the active exterior.

Form & Feel:

• Classic flared form — narrow at the base, opening generously upward to a wide, outward-curving rim
• Thick walls and a substantial rim — the cup fills the hands completely
• 280g weight — solid and grounding
• Highly textured exterior — satisfying to hold and turn
• Small unglazed foot ring — raw dark stoneware, compact and stable

For the Art of Tea: The wide, flared opening makes this cup particularly well suited to aged pu-erh, dark roasted oolong, or hojicha — teas whose aromas benefit from an open vessel. The deep black interior allows the colour of the tea to show beautifully. Hold it in both hands, feel the weight of the iron glaze, and take your time.

One of a kind. Wood-fired in a single kiln firing. Never to be repeated.

Care

Suitable for contact with tea. Hand wash gently and avoid abrasive cleaners. Variations and firing marks are part of this one-of-a-kind handmade piece.