A set of five stoneware sencha tea cups by Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). These miniature cups were simply molded in the classic form, glazed in off white and incised with cursive waka poems, a signature decorative style by the artist. Accompanies the cups is a wood storage box and paper slip label inscribed "Rengetsu sencha, tea cups"
Purportedly purchased from Tessai-do Co. Ltd., Japan in 1991.
Otagaki Rengetsu was a famous Buddhist nun in Edo period who is widely regarded to have been one of the greatest Japanese poets and calligrapher of the 19th century. She was also a skilled potter who made and sold many utility pieces, mostly for tea ceremony to support herself until well into her old age. Many of these pieces features her carefree and charming words of waka (a Japanese form of poetry) that render them a sense of Zen for tea ceremony.
Each cup is about 1.5" high x 2.4" diameter. Listed size is per the wood storage box.