Unglazed teaware should be washed by hand with warm water only, without any washing-up liquid, which could get absorbed by the porous clay. The outside of the teapot may be cleaned with a soft cloth, but the inside should only be rinsed with warm water to ensure the patina stays intact. Always leave to air dry naturally with the lid off, the exterior may be dried with a towel. Do not put in the dishwasher, microwave or oven. If tea leaves get trapped in the strainer, brush away with a soft brush. Hard water may cause limescale deposits to develop, in which case rinse with soft bottled water, then wipe with a soft cloth.
Hohin Tokoname
Marugata Shiro
Junzo Maekawa
SKU
5966
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Take your green tea brewing to the next level with this eye-catching Hōhin teapot handcrafted by fourth generation Tokoname-yaki potter, Junzo Maekawa. The unglazed matte white finish has a pleasant grainy texture, which together with the unique design gives this Hōhin a particularly contemporary touch.
| Product | Hohin teapot, white |
| Origin | Tokoname, Aichi, Japan |
| Maker | Junzo Maekawa |
| Volume | 150ml |
| Dimensions | Ø7cm x W7.5cm x H9cm |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Strainer | Ceramic |
| Artist mark | Signature on base |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore colour, volume, dimensions and weight may vary slightly
In stock
Junzo Maekawa
A born and bred Tokoname native, Junzo Maekawa (前川淳蔵 b.1976) is the fourth generation master of the Maekawa kiln. Founded in the early Taishō era (1912-1926), the family-run kiln has long specialised in producing large earthenware objects, such as vases, plant pots and traditional Japanese garden ornaments. Besides these sizeable items, Junzo Maekawa has also broadened his repertoire to tableware and teapots, which have won him numerous prizes including two Chouza Awards (長三賞) from the prestigious nationwide biennial ceramics competition held in Tokoname. Preserving ancient techniques within contemporary designs, the Maekawa kiln is committed to offering products that meet the needs and tastes of people today.
Hōhin 宝瓶
Written in the kanji as “treasure jar,” the Hōhin, as its name implies, is used to brew the finest tea leaves, and is the connoisseurs' vessel of choice for preparing Gyokuro or Kabusecha. Like a small Kyusu teapot without a handle, it is a descendant of the Chinese Gaiwan, and cousin to the flatter Shiboridashi. However, like a Kyusu, Hōhin typically have a wider spout incorporated with a strainer. Hōhin are often made of fine porcelain, which means they lose heat quickly, making them perfect for brewing and re-steeping small quantities of delicate high-grade teas that require a lower temperature. For this reason, the Hōhin can be handled without a handle.
Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼
Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi prefecture, as far back as the 12th century, and since 1976 Tokoname ceramics, or Tokoname-yaki, has been protected as a Traditional Craft of Japan. Tokoname was the site of the largest and oldest of the legendary Rokkoyō (六古窯): the “Six Ancient Kilns” of Japan, and continues to be the leading ceramics production centre in Japan today. Synonymous with Tokoname is the local iron-rich Shudei (朱泥) clay which turns a bright red after baking. Historically this clay was dug up from beneath rice paddies, but nowadays most Tokoname clay is enriched with natural red iron oxide, or Bengara (弁柄), to achieve similar levels of iron. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red clays turns black – another characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki.
Tokoname Kyusu teapots are typically unglazed on the inside, allowing the tannins in the tea to interact with the iron in the clay body, which is said to reduce astringency and highlight the sweetness of green teas. Another key feature are the perfectly fitting lids, which are ground into the body after firing in a technique known as Suriawase. Besides red and black, Tokoname wares also come in a variety of colours and finishes by mixing other pigmented clays or coating in Chara (チャラ) slip glaze, as well as traditional decorative techniques such as Yōhen (窯変) ombré and Mogake (藻掛け) "seaweed covering".
