Ash glazes are a type of ceramic glaze with a long history in East Asian pottery. It is believed that the style was discovered by accident some three thousand years ago in China, when ash from the burned wood in the kiln ended up on the pots, forming a glaze after firing. Besides various types of wood, ash made from other organic materials such as straw and rice husks are also commonly used, the unique chemical composition of each resulting in glazes of different colours. In Japanese ash glazes are known both as Kaiyu and Haigusuri (灰釉 lit. "ash glaze").
Teacup
Tokoname Kaiyu
Studio Isshin
SKU
4662
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.
Handcrafted at a family-run kiln in Tokoname – Japan's oldest and most important ceramics centre – this teacup is partially coated in a celadon ash glaze that creates a stunning interplay of colours and textures with the underlying red clay. Perfect for serving green tea to guests.
Pair with the matching Kaiyu Kyusu.
| Product | Teacup, green and brown |
| Origin | Tokoname, Aichi, Japan |
| Studio | Isshin (一心窯) |
| Dimensions | Ø6.5cm x 6cm |
| Volume | 110ml |
| Weight | 125g |
| Material | Red clay (Shudei 朱泥) |
| Glaze | Kaiyu (灰釉) ash glaze |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore volume, dimensions, weight and glazing may vary slightly
In stock
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 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 Shudei: red clay with a high iron content, which is known to soften the astringency of green teas, resulting in a sweeter brew.
Studio Isshin 一心
Founded in 1980 by Sadao Tsuchihira (土平 貞雄), the Isshin kiln specialises in traditional ash and irabo glaze Tokoname wares that emphasise the natural beauty of the clay. In 1996 Tsuchihira’s son Eiichi (土平 栄一) joined the family business. Whether products are mass produced or one-off, Isshin make their pottery with all their heart – hence the name Isshin which translates to “wholeheartedness”.
Kumidashi 汲み出し
The Kumidashi is a short, light, handle-free teacup traditionally used to serve Sencha during Senchadō: the Japanese leaf tea ceremony (as opposed to Sadō for matcha powdered green tea). Kumidashi with mouths that spread outwards are particularly suitable for high-grade teas as the shape helps to amplify the aroma. Often sold in sets of five, Kumidashi are the choice of teacup when entertaining guests.
