This expertly crafted hira-gata Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from a textured Tokoname yakishime (焼締) clay, 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.
This kyusu's wide, flat shape and small size are specially designed to promote even contact between the leaves and the water, aiding the extraction of umami from high-grade sencha and gyokuro. It boasts a wide top opening so you can watch the leaves unfurl as they steep and clean them out more easily. This shape's sharp corners are prone to cracking under stress during the throwing and firing processes, so only extremely talented artisans can create them consistently
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 master craftsman Hiroyuki Kamimura, of Sekiryu Kiln (石龍窯).
Due to the nature of handmade ceramics, there may be slight variations in size, capacity, and appearance.
