This sleek Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from a stylish matte black clay in a clean, modern, and minimalist style, with a low, flat, domed shape. Rather than a simple black, this clay has a cool blue-grey hue to it and is topped with a uniquely textured, crawling beige glaze.
More than just pretty, this kyusu is very functional, with a nice pour and spout specially designed to minimise drips. The wider shape helps promote even contact between the leaves and the water, aiding the extraction of umami from high-grade sencha and gyokuro.
The teapot's built-in ceramic sasame filter is perfect for naturally straining tea, with a wide shape for faster pouring and less clogging.
Made by Fujita Tokuta (藤田徳太), who was born in 1976 and is one of Tokoname's younger kyusu craftsmen.
Specifications
Made in Japan. Ships from the United States.
Width: 15.3 cm (6 in) (including handle)
Height: 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
Capacity: 200 ml
Due to the nature of handmade ceramics, slight variations may occur in color, texture, size, design, and glaze appearance
Tokoname-yaki Ceramics
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.
Meet Fujita Tokuta (藤田徳太)About the Artist
Born and raised in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture in 1975, Tokuta Fujita later moved to Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, where he began pursuing a career in ceramics. Today, he is recognized as one of a new generation of Tokoname-yaki artists who successfully bridge the worlds of contemporary ceramic art and traditional Japanese teaware craftsmanship.
Through this unique balance of innovation and tradition, Tokuta Fujita has emerged as one of the leading young artists shaping the future of Tokoname-yaki teaware.
After completing the training program at the Tokoname City Ceramics Research Institute, Fujita studied under the distinguished ceramic artist Toshio Araki, known for works including the monument in front of Meitetsu Tokoname Station. Unlike many traditional kyusu artisans who begin their training at pottery workshops from an early age, Fujita entered the field through the world of contemporary ceramic art, giving his work a uniquely modern perspective.
His artistic achievements have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious exhibitions and awards. Fujita has been accepted eight times to the Nitten Exhibition, one of Japan’s most respected fine art exhibitions, and eleven times to the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition. He also received the Grand Prix at the Fuji International Biennale, in addition to recognition at major exhibitions including the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Choza Award Ceramic Exhibition.
After establishing himself independently as a tableware artist and ceramics instructor, Fujita eventually dedicated himself fully to the art of kyusu teapot making. Entering the world of teaware later than many craftsmen, he approached the discipline with humility and determination, devoting himself to mastering the highly refined techniques required to create kyusu of both exceptional functionality and artistic integrity.
Today, Fujita is increasingly regarded as a natural talent in the field of kyusu craftsmanship. Collectors and tea enthusiasts alike often describe him as “an artist born with the instincts of a kyusu maker.”
One of the defining characteristics of his work is the distinctive surface texture created through the traditional tanka (carbon reduction smoking) firing technique. The resulting finish possesses a subtle metallic luster rarely seen in Tokoname ware, evoking the appearance of cast metal while retaining the warmth and depth unique to fired clay. His teapots combine sculptural elegance with practical usability, reflecting both his contemporary artistic sensibility and deep respect for traditional craftsmanship.
