Tokoname tea cup Tokuta

Tokoname tea cup Tokuta showcases a unique design with a gently curved waist that broadens at the lip. The piece is made from dark black clay and features a striking ash glaze applied using the traditional haikake technique. The interior is coated with a glossy white glaze, designed to enhance the visual enjoyment of the tea’s color as it’s being sipped.

This particular cup was crafted by Fujita Tokuta, born in 1976, who represents the new generation of skilled artisans in Tokoname. Though known primarily for his kyusu (side-handled teapots), Fujita also works with various forms of Tokoname pottery, combining traditional techniques with his own artistic flair.

Tokoname-yaki, a revered form of Japanese pottery, hails from Tokoname, a city in Aichi Prefecture that has been a significant center of ceramic production for centuries. Tokoname is one of Japan’s “Six Ancient Kilns” (Rokkoyō), a title that highlights its pivotal role in shaping Japanese ceramic history. The pottery tradition here dates back to the Heian and Kamakura periods, with the city thriving as a major producer since the 12th century.

Today, Tokoname is famed for its characteristic red clay known as shudei, which is rich in iron oxide, giving it a vibrant reddish-brown hue after firing. This clay is not only prized for its aesthetic appeal but also for its practical properties. The unglazed surfaces of Tokoname teapots, for example, are said to enhance the flavor of green tea by slightly altering its mineral content, resulting in a softer, mellower brew.

In addition to teapots, Tokoname clay is widely used for other functional and artistic creations such as bonsai pots, vases, and incense holders. Artisans in the region have continued to evolve the craft by blending ancient firing techniques with contemporary styles, ensuring that Tokoname-yaki remains relevant and appreciated worldwide.

Volume: 70ml
Material: Tokoname Ton
Glaze: Ashe
Artist: Fujita Tokuta