Cherry and Bird Kutani Tea Pot
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Cherry and Bird Kutani Tea Pot
Experience the serene beauty of Japanese culture with our Cherry and Bird Kutani Tea Pot. This stunning piece of art not only serves tea but also tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition. The vibrant yellow glaze is adorned with a delicate bird nestled among cherry blossoms, inviting nature's beauty into your home. Each glance at this teapot evokes a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the natural world.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Handcrafted in Japan, this teapot is a prime example of Kutani ware, a style that has captivated collectors and tea lovers for centuries. Utilizing a unique overglaze decoration technique, artisans apply colored enamels over the initial glaze, resulting in rich, vivid colors that stand the test of time. The teapot has a generous capacity of 360 cc (approximately 12.2 fl oz), making it perfect for intimate tea gatherings or quiet moments of reflection.
The intricate patterns and designs showcase the skill of the potter's wheel, reflecting the dedication and artistry that goes into each piece. The five colors—red, green, yellow, purple, and navy blue—harmoniously combine to create a visual feast that enhances your home decor. This teapot is not just functional; it is a conversation starter, an artistic centerpiece that enriches your daily life.
Enhancing Your Daily Rituals
Imagine pouring your favorite tea from this beautifully crafted teapot, the warmth of the ceramic contrasting against the coolness of your hands. The Cherry and Bird Kutani Tea Pot invites you to slow down and savor each sip, turning an ordinary moment into a cherished ritual. Whether you are sharing tea with friends or enjoying a solitary afternoon, this teapot elevates the experience, adding a touch of elegance and mindfulness to your day.
As a fragile item, we recommend handling it with care to maintain its beauty for years to come. Each teapot comes in a stylish paper box, making it a delightful gift for loved ones or a cherished addition to your collection of Japanese ceramics. Please note that since this item is also available in stores, it may occasionally be out of stock.
The Cherry and Bird Kutani Tea Pot is more than just a vessel; it’s an invitation to embrace tradition, beauty, and the simple pleasures of tea.
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Care instructions
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FAQs
All you need to know about Japanese Arita Ware.
What makes Kutani ware different from other Japanese ceramics?
Kutani ware is instantly recognizable for its vivid overglaze enamels—greens, reds, blues, yellows, and purples—painted in bold, layered designs. Unlike many regional wares that rely on clay texture or natural glazes, Kutani emphasizes ornamental artistry. Each piece is hand-painted after firing, then fired again at a lower temperature to fuse the enamel. This two-step process creates the signature glossy, high-contrast look unmatched by other Japanese styles.
Is Kutani ware safe to use with food, sauces, and liquids?
Yes. Modern Kutani ware is food-safe and meets Japan’s strict ceramic safety standards. The bright overglaze enamels may look delicate, but they are formulated using lead-free, cadmium-free pigments suitable for tableware. After application, they are re-fired to create a stable, sealed surface. As long as the piece is contemporary and intended for functional use (not antique), it is safe for soy sauce, oils, vinegar, and daily dining.
Why are Kutani colors so bright, and do they fade over time?
Kutani’s signature brilliance comes from metal-oxide-based overglaze pigments, carefully applied in layers to achieve depth and luminosity. After the second firing, the colors are fused into a glassy enamel surface. Under normal use, they do not fade, even after decades. However, prolonged exposure to strong acidic cleaners or harsh scrubbing can dull the enamel. Gentle handwashing is recommended for preserving clarity and shine.
How is Kutani ware made in the Kaga region today?
Artisans in Ishikawa’s Kaga area follow a blend of traditional and modern methods. Local porcelain stone (hakusan-ishi) is shaped, bisque-fired, and coated with a clear base glaze. Once fired to porcelain hardness, painters add the characteristic Gosai-de (Five Colors) palette or detailed motifs such as birds, landscapes, or geometric patterns. After painting, pieces undergo a second firing around 800°C to set the overglaze. Many workshops still rely on individual brushwork, ensuring each item is one-of-a-kind.
Is Kutani ware suitable for everyday use or mainly for display?
Kutani ware is durable enough for daily use, particularly for items such as plates, mugs, and sauce dispensers. The porcelain body is non-porous and resistant to staining, making it ideal for use with soy sauce and other strong-flavored seasonings. However, because the overglaze decoration sits on the surface (unlike underglaze ceramics), it’s best to avoid dishwashers and microwaves unless the maker specifically states they are safe. Many collectors use Kutani both as functional tableware and as decorative art due to its vibrant, expressive aesthetic.