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Tokoname Teapot

Tokoname Gyokko Shudei Layered Teapot

Tokoname Gyokko Shudei Layered Teapot

$79.00 USD
$79.00 USD
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The Tokoname Gyokko Shudei Layered Teapot is a refined expression of Tokoname’s celebrated clay tradition. Crafted in warm, red shudei clay, the surface is hand-carved with a delicate layered pattern that brings both texture and depth to the vessel. This intricate finish highlights the natural beauty of the material while offering a tactile elegance unique to Gyokko’s work. Designed with a wide body that allows tea leaves to expand freely, it ensures a full release of flavor and aroma, making it especially suited for sencha. The side handle provides balance and precision in pouring, reflecting the quiet functionality of Japanese teaware. A testament to craftsmanship and restraint, this teapot embodies the harmony of form and purpose that defines Tokoname ware at its finest.`

Detail

Size: W 4.3in x L 6.5in x H 3.1in / W 11cm x L 16.5cm x H 8cm
Capacity: 300cc / 10.1oz
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.