Matsugawa Yōhen Kokudei Tokoname Teapot - 360ml
This expertly crafted Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from Tokoname 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. Yōhen (窯変), which means "changed by the kiln", refers to the attractive gradient from bronze/brown to black across the pot caused by specific firing conditions. The body is decorated with a detailed pine bark textured that contrasts with the smooth spout and handle. Made using a small wheel, this texturing technique is called matsugawa (松皮 - pine bark) in Japanese.
Its built-in ceramic sasame filter is perfect for naturally straining tea, with a wide shape for faster pouring and less clogging.
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.