Description

Takasuke Touen (kiln), Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture

by Master Potter: Hiroshi Kita

Recommended by the Japanese Tea Instructor Association est. 2002

Takasuke Touen headed by second generation owner Hiroshi Kita is heralded as the makers that brought the now much esteemed Tokoname-yaki teapots to the world. Originally, the iron-rich native Tokoname clay was not conducive to casting - a method of teapot making that makes it possible to produce wares in consistent batches by hand. By the mid 1960s after much trial and error, they perfected a clay blend that is still synonymous with the Tokoname-yaki tactility and quality expectations to this day.

Their innovations did not stop there. 10 years later, they were to make the next biggest contribution to not only Tokoname wares but to Japanese teapot crafting going forward with the invention of their in-built fine mesh ceramic strainer. Having a filter (known as a "sasame") built into the teapot not only offered convenience from otherwise having to use a separate tool for straining leaves but also keeps the tea untainted as the same clay material is used throughout the teapot. As demonstrated inside this Smoked White Clay Kyusu, the perforations are small yet abundant and uniform - the filter overall thin yet strong. This level of precision allows tea to pour smoothly while keeping even the finest gyokoru leaves retained in the pot.

This White Smoked Clay Kyusu is in the unglazed minimalist style preferred by Hiroshi Kita. It was Hiroshi's vision to keep teapots undecorated not only to keep in line with contemporary aesthetics but to allow the user to enjoy the texture of their signature clay mixture with every pour.

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