Kohiki Asagao-gata Yunomi - 60ml

Name: Kohiki Asagao-gata Yunomi - 60ml
Brand: Sugawara Kengo
SKU: US-T172
Price: 38.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Sugawara Kengo

★★★★★ (2)

$38.00

This elegant senchawan (sencha cup) has a conical asagao-gata (朝顔形 - morning glory style) shape and is made in the classic Kohiki (粉引) style, thrown from an iron-rich red clay and covered in white slip. The iron in the clay reacts with the slip, producing the natural warmth, various subtle grey and beige hues, and small black specks that kohiki is known and loved for. The conical shape presents a wide surface area, which along with the white glaze allows you to appreciate the colour of the tea. Additionally, this shape is very easy to drink from.

The small size of this cup makes it ideal for enjoying small, concentrated servings of high-grade sencha or gyokuro, or for use as a gongfu cha cup.

Kohiki (粉引) is a traditional slipware ceramic style that originated in the short-lived Buncheong Deombeongi ceramics of late 15th century Korea. In an attempt to create an affordable mimicry of Chinese white porcelain, iron-rich clay was dipped in white slip (liquified clay) and covered with a translucent ash glaze. Korean kohiki chawan were brought to Japan, where they were revered as masterpieces (名物) by tea masters. Recently, this rustic style has seen a resurgence in popularity owing to its timeless, natural elegance. Compared to the harsh white of porcelain, kohiki vessels have a soft, warm, and organic feel.

Like most kohiki wares, this piece is porous and may absorb water and tea, subtly changing colour over time. Before its first use, we recommend soaking the entire piece in warm water for at least 20 minutes. This allows water to fill the cracks and pores, slowing the rate at which tea stains the clay. Slowing the staining process allows the colour change to progress naturally and beautifully. With each subsequent use , we suggest rinsing the piece with hot water before preparing tea in it.

Sugawara Kengo (菅原顕悟) of Yōki Kiln (陽気窯) is an independent potter who started a kiln at the foot of Mt. Katsuragi in Nara out of a desire to create goods with his hands. He specialises in kohiki (粉引) a Korean slip coating technique. His wares are thin and light, showing off his immense skills on the wheel.