Spiraling Benishibori Tokoname Teapot - 220ml

Name: Spiraling Benishibori Tokoname Teapot - 220ml
Brand: Gyokuryū
SKU: US-K69
Price: 118.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Gyokuryū

★★★★★ (2)

$118.00

This exquisitely crafted Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from a near-black Tokoname clay, decorated in a very subtle benishibori (紅しぼり) pattern, emulating the natural striations of shibori-dyed Japanese textiles. Additionally, the pot is decorated with spiraling lines.

Its 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 Umehara Jiro, a descendant of the first Gyokko, who now makes pottery under the name Gyokuryu Umehara (玉龍).

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

Benishibori (紅絞り - red squeezing) is a unique spin on the traditional mogake style developed by Umehara Jiro of Gyokuryu Kiln. Meaning 'seaweed wrapping', Mogake (藻掛) is a traditional Tokoname technique dates back to the Edo period and 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. Due to the natural nature of seaweed, each piece of mogake decorated pottery will have its own unique pattern.

Through exhaustive study and countless trials, Umehara-san arrived at his own uniquely refined version of mogake in which the piece is first oxidized in firing and then subjected to reduction smoking to induce delicate changes in color and texture.