Black Red Yōhen Meoto Tokoname Tea Set

Name: Black Red Yōhen Meoto Tokoname Tea Set
Brand: Iwase Kōji
SKU: US-X43
Price: 298.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Iwase Kōji

$298.00

This expertly crafted Tokoname-yaki tea set consists of a kyusu (teapot) and a meoto yunomi pair (large and small couple's teacups). Each piece is made from the iconic Tokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, fired with a striking yōhen (窯変) gradient from a rich vermillion red to a deep coal black. The teapot's built-in ceramic debeso filter is perfect for naturally straining tea.

This tea set comes in a kiribako (桐箱 - paulownia wood box) which is signed by the artist, Iwase Kōji (岩瀬弘二). Born in 1946, Kōji-san has been making pottery for over 60 years, which is evident in the exquisite craftsmanship of his kyusu. He is known for his striking yōhen wares.

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.