Beige Mogake Tokoname Teapot - 140ml
Itō SeijiThis uniquely-crafted Tokoname-yaki ushirode kyusu (teapot) is made in a rear-handled design, similar to Chinese and Western teapots. Made from one of Jinshū's signature clays, a speckled stoneware, the pot has a subtle tooling texture along the body. On top of this, the kyusu is decorated with an intricate web of fine mogake (藻掛 - seaweed wrapping) patterns. As the name suggests, this traditional Tokoname technique that dates back to the Edo period is achieved by wrapping each piece with amamo seaweed before firing. In the kiln, the seaweed burns off, leaving its carbonised silhouette draped across pot. 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 Itō Seiji (伊藤成二) who is the second-generation head of Jinshū Pottery (甚秋陶園). Born in 1949, Itō-san shifted away from the mass-production style of his father towards more individualist wares, focusing primarily on kyusu. Today, Jinshū's name is almost synonymous with his exquisite hira-kyusu (flat teapots). This teapot comes in a kiribako (桐箱 - paulownia wood box) signed and sealed by the artist.
Made in Japan. Ships from the United States.
Width: 12 cm (4.7 in) (including handle)
Height: 7.4 cm (2.9 in)
Capacity: 140 ml
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.
Meaning 'seaweed wrapping', Mogake (藻掛) is a traditional Tokoname technique dates back to the Edo period and is achieved by wrapping each piece with amamo seaweed before firing. In the kiln, the seaweed burns off, leaving its carbonised silhouette draped across pot. Due to the natural nature of seaweed, each piece of mogake decorated pottery will have its own unique pattern.
