Tataki Yōhen Tokoname Teapot - 150ml

Name: Tataki Yōhen Tokoname Teapot - 150ml
Brand: Murata Yoshiki
SKU: US-K168
Price: 498.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Murata Yoshiki

$498.00

This exquisitely crafted Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) has a unique rear-handled design and is made from the iconic Tokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, known for its brilliant red colour and ability to subtly reduce the astringency of tea. This pot has a striking yōhen (窯変) gradient from a rich red to a deep black, created by a second reduction firing in which the pot is half covered in rice husks. The surface features Yoshiki's signature hammered finish, called tataki. The teapot's built-in ceramic filter is perfect for naturally straining tea.

This kyusu was made by Murata Yoshiki (村田益規). Born in 1950, Yoshiki reigns as one of Tokoname's most technically and artistically skilled kyusu craftsman and is known for his inventive and bold shapes, striking yōhen, and unique surface finishes.

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.