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Tokoname Teapot

Tokoname Gyokko Kokuyohen Streak Teapot

Tokoname Gyokko Kokuyohen Streak Teapot

$89.00 USD
$89.00 USD
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The Tokoname Gyokko Kokuyohen Streak Teapot embodies the quiet elegance of Japanese tea culture, crafted with the refined artistry for which Tokoname ware is renowned. Its deep black finish, achieved through the kokuyohen firing technique, reveals subtle streaks across the surface, a visual texture that enhances its understated presence. The flat, wide body allows tea leaves to unfurl gracefully, ensuring a smooth and balanced extraction, while the side handle offers a natural, effortless pour. Handcrafted by Gyokko, one of Tokoname’s esteemed artisans, this teapot is both a functional vessel and a work of quiet beauty. Ideal for sencha and gyokuro, it reflects the harmony of tradition, precision, and simplicity that defines Japanese teaware at its finest.

Detail

Size: W 4.1in x L 6.3in x H 2.4in / W 10.5cm x L 16cm x H 6cm
Capacity: 200cc / 6.8oz
Material: Ceramic

Care ＆ Use

  • Handwash only
  • Do not use in microwave or oven
  • Please note that using metal scrubs or abrasive detergents may damage the surface
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Tokoname-ware Teapots Steeped in Tradition

Tokoname boasts a rich history as a pottery production center, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185).  Facing Ise Bay and blessed with abundant natural resources like clay and pine trees for fuel, Tokoname artisans have continuously produced functional and beautiful ceramics for centuries.  Early production focused on pots, jars, and tea bowls, reflecting the daily needs of the time. These pieces were then distributed throughout Japan by sea, a testament to Tokoname's central role in Japanese ceramics.

Tokoname's adaptability has been a key factor in its enduring success.  The late Edo period (1603-1868) saw the adoption of new kiln technology and the emergence of new products like pottery pipes and red clay teapots.  The arrival of Chinese potter Jin Shiheng in the Meiji era (1868-1912) further enriched Tokoname's ceramic repertoire, with the introduction of traditional Chinese teapot techniques.  Tokoname potters skillfully combined these new methods with their own expertise in the "rokuro" technique, creating a unique style of teapot production.  This spirit of innovation continues today, with Tokoname remaining a vibrant center for a wide variety of ceramic production.

Brand History

On the shores of Ise Bay, Tokoname has quietly shaped Japan’s ceramic legacy for over a thousand years. With rich clay deposits and pine for firing, this coastal town became one of Japan’s oldest and most vital pottery centers, first recognized in the Heian period. Initially known for jars and utilitarian wares, Tokoname’s reach extended nationwide via maritime trade, embedding its ceramics into everyday life across Japan.

By the late Edo period, the region began refining its approach. New kiln technologies enabled large-scale production, while red clay teapots emerged as a signature item. The Meiji era brought further evolution: Chinese potter Jin Shiheng introduced advanced teapot-making techniques, which local artisans fused with their own wheel-throwing expertise. The result was a distinctive style—precise, balanced, and deeply rooted in handwork.

Today, Tokoname teapots represent more than function. They carry centuries of technique, cross-cultural exchange, and quiet innovation. In every curve and pour, they embody the essence of Japanese tea culture—elevated through craftsmanship, refined by time.