Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, is one of the six oldest kilns in Japan and is known as a major kyusu production center. This is a kittate flat kyusu made by Gyokko-Toen, a Tokoname pottery studio with a history of more than 70 years in Tokoname City. We visited the workshop and selected this kyusu from their vast archives in their warehouse, and had it specially produced from our own perspective.
This kyusu has a vertical, clean, and elegant shape called kittate. It has a capacity of 200-210ml, which is suitable for one or two people.
Tokoname kyusu are traditionally made of semi-porcelain clay and fired unglazed, a process known as yakishime. These are called stoneware and are fired at high temperatures to harden and harden so that they can be used unglazed. Traditionally, stoneware vessels are suitable for kyusu.
The tea strainer is made of ceramic called "ceramesh," which is unique to Tokoname kyusu, and its numerous fine holes allow even relatively small tea leaves to be extracted smoothly.
Another unique feature of Tokoname kyusu is the process of grinding the body and lid together, known as "lid grinding," which allows the lids to be precisely aligned.
The fine attention to detail and ease of use that can be found only in a pottery workshop that has specialized in kyusu for many years, and the handmade taste of wheel-thrown work, make this a product that you will cherish for a long time to come.
Body diameter: approx. 9.8 cm
Overall length: approx. 13.4 cm (including spout)
Overall width: approx. 14.9 cm (including the handle)
Height: approx. 4.8 cm (excluding the lid)
Capacity: Approx. 200-210 ml in appropriate amount
Material: Stoneware
Ceramic Artist: Gyokko Pottery / Hirotaka Umehara
Ceramic history
Trained under Master Gyokko I
Selected twice for the Japan Sencha Tea Craft Exhibition
Awarded the Chouzanshou Prize at the Chouzanshou Ceramics Exhibition
Selected, Japan Traditional Craftsmen's Association Exhibition
Succeeded to the second generation of Gyokko
Certified as a traditional artisan by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Awarded the Aichi Prefecture Excellent Technique Award
Awarded the Aichi Prefecture Excellent Technical Award