Two-toned Purple Hagi-yaki Collared Houhin - 210ml

Name: Two-toned Purple Hagi-yaki Collared Houhin - 210ml
Brand: Senryūzan Kiln
SKU: US-H28
Price: 178.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Senryūzan Kiln

$178.00

This unique Hagi-yaki houhin (handleless teapot) features a tall shape and sports a two-tone glaze effect layering a complex translucent purple over a partial covering of milky white slip. Like most houhin, it has a wide, triangular open spout which allows for fast pouring, a simple ceramic do-ake filter which lends no metallic taste to the tea. As with most Hagi-yaki teapots, the interior is also glazed.

The tall collar that surrounds the lid of the teapot serves to dissipate heat and provide a comfortable place to hold the houhin. This is aided by the discs on either side of this collar.

This kyusu's large size is ideal for serving multiple guests or brewing larger batches of houjicha.

The kyusu is thrown from one of Hagi's three traditional clays: Daidō clay (大道土) which has been mixed with sand, giving it a coarser, more rustic feel. The piece is then partially covered in white slip, producing the two-tone effect. Then the entire piece is glazed in an ash glaze before finally being wood-fired in a climbing kiln in an oxidative atmosphere, producing a beautiful effect with fine crazing, and shades of purple, pink, and beige.

Like most Hagi ware, this piece is porous and will absorb water and tea and change colour over time. Before its first use, we recommend soaking the entire piece in warm water for at least two hours to dislodge any dust. This also allows water to fill the cracks and pores, slowing the rate at which tea stains the clay. Slowing the staining process allows the colour change to progress naturally and beautifully. With each subsequent, we suggest rinsing the piece with hot water before preparing tea in it.

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.

Founded in 1826 towards the end of Edo period, Senryūzan Kiln contines the traditional techniques of Hagi-yaki, employing a kick wheel for many of their piece, instead of the more convenient electric pottery wheel. They also continue to make all of their clays and glazes in-house, rather than rely on commercially available materials, meaning their works reflect the natural materials, colours, and textures of Hagi. Lastly, firing in a wood-fired climing kiln (登り窯 - noborigama) gives each piece a unique charm and unpredictability not found in gas-fired ceramics.