Ash-glazed Tokoname kyusu kettle

The Fujita Tokuta ash-glazed Tokoname kyusu is a distinctive yet harmonious Japanese teapot for those who appreciate the quiet presence of handmade objects even in their daily tea ritual.

Its shape is slightly trapezoidal, with a strong, modern line that is nonetheless deeply connected to Tokoname's centuries-old ceramic tradition.

The teapot is made of black clay, and its surface is covered with an ash glaze created using the haikake (灰掛) technique. The light, ash-like glaze spots beautifully contrast with the dark base, making the teapot earthy, natural, and, in my opinion, extremely elegant. :-)

The subtle variety of the glaze makes the object particularly beautiful up close: the teapot is not merely a tool, but a serene, distinctive part and ornament of the tea table.

The kyusu's side handle allows for comfortable, stable pouring.

Inside, there is a built-in ceramic sasame filter. Its wide design facilitates quick, even pouring, while retaining smaller leaves and finer tea dust particles in the pot. This can be particularly practical when preparing sencha, kabusecha, gyokuro, fukamushi sencha, genmaicha, or other Japanese green teas.

The 240 ml size is well-suited for a calm, personal tea-making session, but it can also be sufficient for two smaller cups. It is a teapot where preparing tea is not a quick routine, but a short, mindful break in the day.

Fujita Tokuta

Fujita Tokuta (藤田徳太) is a kyusu maker belonging to the younger generation of Tokoname. In his works, the classic function of Tokoname teapots meets contemporary forms and diverse surface treatments. This teapot also clearly demonstrates this approach: it is made for use, yet it has a strong, independent material presence.

Tokoname-yaki

Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) is one of Japan's most famous ceramic traditions. Pottery has been made in Tokoname city, Aichi Prefecture, since the 12th century, and the settlement is one of Japan's six ancient kiln regions. The region is particularly famous for its teapots, where the form, pouring precision, and the practice of preparing loose-leaf tea form a single unit.

Details

• Maker: Fujita Tokuta (藤田徳太)
• Origin: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
• Material: black clay with ash-glazed surface
• Glazing technique: haikake (ash glaze)
• Filter: built-in ceramic sasame filter
• Capacity: 240 ml
• Width: approx. 15 cm, including handle
• Height: approx. 9 cm

Usage Recommendation

The teapot is primarily recommended for Japanese green teas. Before first use, rinse with warm water. Detergent is not recommended; after use, simply rinse with clean, warm water, then dry completely without the lid.