Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture is known as one of the six oldest kilns in Japan and a major production center for teapots.This is a reduction firing "Kittate" kyusu by Gyokko Pottery, a Tokoname pottery studio with over 70 years of history in the area. We visited the studio and selected the items from their vast archive in their warehouse from our unique perspective, and specially ordered the finish and size.
It is a simple, small kyusu with a vertical body and a slightly warped mouth rim, called a kittate. 120 ml at the seventh level, it is suitable for brewing tea for one person or two people in a small sencha cup with many infusions. In addition to Japanese tea, this teapot is also suitable for brewing Chinese tea.
In the traditional unglazed process called yakishime, which is representative of Tokoname kyusu, the red clay is oxidized and then reduction-fired using charcoal to react with the iron contained in the clay and make it black. The surface is finished with a very fine line called suji-biki. The tea strainer is made of ceramic called Ceramesh, which is unique to Tokoname kyusu, and the many fine holes allow the tea to be brewed smoothly without letting the fine tea leaves escape.
Another unique feature of Tokoname kyusu is the process of scraping the body and lid together, called "futa-suri. This process enables the lid to be adjusted with high precision.
This is a product that will be used for a long time, and you can feel the attention to detail, ease of use, and high precision of the handwork that only a studio specializing in kyusu pottery can provide.
Body length: Approximately 6.5 cm
Overall length: Approximately 9.1 cm (including spout)
Overall width: Approximately 11.2 cm (including handle)
Height: Approximately 8.4 cm
Capacity: Approximately 120 ml at the eighth fill
Material: Pottery (Stoneware)
In a paper box
The size, shape, color, and texture may vary due to the handmade nature of the products. Please be forewarned.
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