Matte Black Classic Tokoname Tea Set

Name: Matte Black Classic Tokoname Tea Set
Brand: Gyokko
SKU: US-X54
Price: 196.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Gyokko

$196.00

This sleek Tokoname-yaki tea set consists of a kyusu (teapot) and a pair of teacups, each made from matte black kokudei (黒泥) clay, which has the same properties as the iconic red shudei (朱泥) but is fired in reduction producing a deep black.

The kyusu has a classic, round shape with a built-in ceramic sasame filter, perfect for naturally straining tea, with a wide shape for faster pouring and less clogging. Paired with its generous 350mL capacity, this the kyusu an excellent all-round choice for brewing all kinds of tea.

The accompanying tea cups have a classic, tulip shape with an elegantly flaring lip.

This piece was made by the highly-respected Gyokko (玉光) Kiln, manned by the master potters of the Umehara family. As these are handmade pieces, there may be slight variations in the shape and colouration.

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.

Illustrated map of Japan highlighting Tokoname, Aichi — the production region of Tokoname-yaki pottery

Headed by second generation kiln leader Umehara Hirotaka (梅原廣隆), the Gyokko workshop team consists of the Umehara family and their coworkers who work together to create some of the most affordable handmade Tokoname kyusu. By dividing the work between multiple craftspeople, Gyokko can produce incredibly consistent and beautiful pieces on a larger scale, without having to resort to using moulds, thereby allowing more people to appreciate handmade ceramics.