Vintage side-handle Japanese kyusu (teapot) with a do-ake style strainer. This hagi-yaki piece is made out of a very warm coloured clay, typical for the region. Its maru-gata (circular-style) shape creates a classic silhouette.

Hagi-yaki (萩焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that comes from the town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan and dates back over 400 years. Some of the oldest Hagi-yaki pieces have been declared National Treasures of Japan. The natural warm hues of its clay, along with the simple lines of its forms are highly valued within the traditional aesthetics of many tea ceremony schools. Hagi ware is said to improve with age as the tannins in the tea slowly stain the fine cracks in the glaze (called crazing or kan-nyuu), creating a rich texture known as "nanabake", or "the 7 transformations". Because of this slightly porous nature, some people like to dedicate their Hagi ware to one type of tea, such as sencha, to avoid having other aromas seep into the clay.

Hagi-yaki’s porosity means it requires special care. New Hagi pieces should be soaked in warm water for 2-3 hours to dislodge any dust in the clay’s pores. Some new Hagi pieces can be so porous that water leaks or soaks through the clay. Do not be alarmed, this perfectly normal and will fix itself with regular use as the tea fills in the pores of the clay. It is very important not to use soap when cleaning Hagi ware as it too can seep into the clay.

Dimensions:

15cm (5.9in) - width (including handle)
9.6cm (3.8in) - height
350ml - capacity

Condition: good (some cracking around the handle and micro chipping on the spout)

Ships from the United States

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