Brown Yōhen Plum Blossoms Tokoname Teapot - 200ml

Name: Brown Yōhen Plum Blossoms Tokoname Teapot - 200ml
Brand: Gyokuryū
SKU: US-K82
Price: 128.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Gyokuryū

★★★★★ (1)

$128.00

This adorable Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from a deep brown Tokoname clay, with a subtle yōhen (窯変) gradient. Additionally, the pot is decorated with engraved plum blossoms (梅 - ume) and incised lines.

Its built-in ceramic sasame filter is perfect for naturally straining tea, with a wide shape for faster pouring and less clogging. At the rear of pot, the lip on which the lid rests is carved away, making it easier to pour out the leaves when cleaning.

Made by master craftsman Umehara Jiro, a descendant of the first Gyokko, who now makes pottery under the name Gyokuryu Umehara (玉龍).

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.

Yōhen is used to generally describe many kiln effects across various ceramics styles (including Tenmoku, where it is spelled 曜変). In Tokoname-ware, however, this term specifically refers to the attractive and often dramatic colour gradients and patches caused by certain firing conditions. One way this is achieved is by partially submerging the teapot in sawdust while firing. Yōhen pots typically have a gradient from a dark black or brown to shudei red, though some potters use this technique with ryokudei or koudei clays to produce unique colour patterns. As the exact pattern produced is highly dependent on the position of the piece in the kiln as well as the firing temperature, atmosphere, and fuel, producing a consistent result across many pieces takes a great amount of skill, patience, and practice.