Yunomi (Tea Cup) - Japanese Encyclopdedia

Yunomi (湯のみ) is the term for Japanese tea cups; the cups are handle-less, rather small and cylindrical in shape.

Incidentally, the name "yunomi" has nothing to do with tea, but is derived from the description of the item. "O-yu wo nomu dōgu" ("a utensil for drinking hot water"), with o-yu meaning hot water, and nomu meaning "to drink". On the other hand, the bowls commonly used for rice are called o-chawan, a word meaning "o-cha wo ireru yōki" (a container to put tea in). It seems that the words and actual uses have gotten mixed up over time.

If you would like a porcelain or pottery souvenir from Japan, yunomi cups are perfect. As these cups are quite small, they are reasonably priced, lightweight and easy to carry. You will surely be able to find a lovely yunomi quite easily.

All pictures from PIXTA