Black Checkered Kokudei Tokoname Chaho Teapot - 200ml

This Tokoname-yaki chaho (a type of handleless teapot) is made from black kokudei (黒泥) and is decorated in a fine checkered combing pattern which mimics the woven appearance of basketry or even carbon fibre. The small 'ears' on either side help keep your hand from getting burned and feature a small snowflake decoration. Made by Kōfu (光風).

The chaho (茶逢, sometimes transcribed as chahō) is a variation on the shiboridashi and is a relatively new style of teapot. It combines the simplicity and ease of cleaning of a shiboridashi or houhin, with the filtering power of a kyusu. Attached to the underside of the lid, it has a sasame-style ceramic filter which naturally strains your tea without altering its flavour. Having the filter here makes it easier to drain out every last drop of tea by turning the whole teapot almost upside down.