Iwase Kōji (岩瀬弘二)

While pioneering modern silhouettes, Iwase is fundamentally driven by a passionate devotion to the intrinsic charm of Tokoname ware. For his Choza Prize-winning Silk Shudei Tea Set (Kinu-Akade), he embraced the challenge of recreating authentic Shudei, the hallmark of traditional Tokoname ware. By meticulously firing the pieces at a lower temperature over an extended period, he preserves the moist, earthy texture and maximizes Tokoname ware's distinctive ability to absorb the astringency of tea. Even though the forms are stripped-down and minimalist, the smooth tactile sensation and elegant luster they exude are unequivocally the crystallization of advanced artisanship.

Honoured with the Aichi Prefectural Governor's Commendation for Excellent Technicians in Traditional Industries in 1993, and certified as a Tokoname Ware Traditional Craftsman the following year, Koji Iwase has forged a unique artistic identity over more than half a century. Today, this profound journey resides quietly, yet with an unmistakable warmth, within each and every modern teapot he creates.

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.