Matsugawa Tokoname Rear-Handled Teapot - 250ml

Name: Matsugawa Tokoname Rear-Handled Teapot - 250ml
Brand: Gyokko
SKU: US-K36
Price: 96.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Gyokko

★★★★★ (3)

$96.00

This expertly crafted Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made in a rear-handled design, similar to Chinese and Western teapots. It is thrown from the iconic Tokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, known for its brilliant red colour and ability to subtly reduce the astringency of tea. The body is decorated with a detailed pine bark textured that contrasts with the smooth spout and handle. Made using a small wheel, this texturing technique is called matsugawa (松皮 - pine bark) in Japanese.

The teapot's built-in ceramic sasame filter is perfect for naturally straining tea, with a wide shape for faster pouring and less clogging.

This piece was made by the highly-respected Gyokko (玉光) Kiln, manned by the master potters of the Umehara family. As these are handmade pieces, there may be slight variations in the shape and colouration.

Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The site of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, pottery has been made in Tokoname since the 12th century.

Today, Tokoname ware is known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei. Famously used in teaware and bonsai pots, this clay’s vibrant colour comes from its rich iron content. Tea steeped in unglazed Tokoname teapots is said to have a mellower taste.

Headed by second generation kiln leader Umehara Hirotaka (梅原廣隆), the Gyokko workshop team consists of the Umehara family and their coworkers who work together to create some of the most affordable handmade Tokoname kyusu. By dividing the work between multiple craftspeople, Gyokko can produce incredibly consistent and beautiful pieces on a larger scale, without having to resort to using moulds, thereby allowing more people to appreciate handmade ceramics.