Pentagonal Yōhen Tokoname Teapot - 160ml
Itō SeijiThis uniquely-crafted Tokoname-yaki ushirode kyusu (teapot) is made in a rear-handled design, similar to Chinese and Western teapots. Thrown from one of Jinshū's signature clays, a speckled stoneware, the shape was then distorted with a paddle, forming it into softened pentagon. The flattened sides also have a beautiful cracked texture. The pot exhibits a beautiful yōhen (窯変) colour gradation with hues of red, brown, and bronze.
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: 11.5 cm (4.5 in) (including handle)
Height: 7.8 cm (3.1 in)
Capacity: 160 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.
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.
