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Shoryu Tenmoku Tokoname Ware Kyusu Teapot – Gold Lid, 8.8 fl oz
$250.00
Tokoname Ware • Shoryu • 8.8 fl oz / 260 ml • Tenmoku Glaze • Ceramic Ceramesh Strainer
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Sourced in Japan, from the makers
Direct from Japanese workshops and their authorised channels.
A 260 ml Tokoname kyusu made by Shoryu, pairing his self-developed Tenmoku glaze with a contrasting gold-toned lid. The compact capacity is suited to one or two cups, while the integrated ceramic Ceramesh strainer keeps the interior uncluttered and gives loose leaves room to open during infusion.
Why You’ll Love It
Made by Shoji Umehara, known as Shoryu, a designated traditional craftsperson.
Compact 8.8 fl oz / 260 ml capacity for one or two cups of loose-leaf tea.
Shoryu’s distinctive Tenmoku glaze creates a dark, kiln-dependent surface.
Integrated ceramic Ceramesh strainer keeps tea leaves contained without a metal basket.
Presented in a fitted box, making it suitable for gifting or collection.
Shoryu Tenmoku Tokoname Ware Kyusu Teapot – Gold Lid, 8.8 fl oz
$250.00
Tenmoku glaze, a gold-toned lid, and Shoryu’s Tokoname form
Product Description
This Tokoname ware kyusu is made by Shoji Umehara, known by his artist name Shoryu, a designated traditional craftsperson specializing in the forming of teapots and tea ware. With a capacity of approximately 8.8 fl oz (260 ml), it is a compact Japanese teapot made for brewing loose-leaf tea.
The surface is finished in Shoryu’s distinctive Tenmoku glaze, a glaze he developed himself. Its dark, kiln-dependent expression contrasts with the gold-toned lid, giving the teapot a strong visual presence while retaining the practical proportions of a traditional kyusu.
An integrated ceramic Ceramesh strainer sits inside the pot, allowing the tea leaves room to infuse while helping keep them contained at the pour. The 260 ml capacity is particularly well suited to preparing one or two cups, depending on cup size.
Made by hand in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture — one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns — each teapot can show small differences in glaze tone, size, weight, glaze flow, pinholes, and other firing marks. These variations are characteristic of the making and firing process rather than defects.
Presented in a fitted box, the teapot also makes a substantial gift for a Japanese tea drinker or collector of Tokoname ware.
After use, rinse the teapot with warm water and remove any tea leaves from the ceramic strainer.
Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge only when needed; avoid abrasive cleaners and hard scouring pads.
Allow the teapot and lid to dry completely before storing.
Do not use in the dishwasher or microwave.
Avoid sudden temperature changes and handle the lid and spout carefully.
Artisan & Craft
Shoji Umehara, known by his artist name Shoryu, is listed by the Tokoname Ware Cooperative Association as a designated traditional craftsperson in the forming category, specializing in kyusu teapots and tea ware. This teapot is identified by the supplier as Shoryu’s Y19 260 ml model and uses the Tenmoku finish associated with his work.
Note
Because each teapot is individually made and fired, slight differences in glaze tone, glaze flow, pinholes, dimensions, weight, and surface character may occur. These variations are characteristic of the ceramic production and firing process and are not considered defects.
Questions & Answers
Who made this Tokoname teapot?
It is made by Shoji Umehara, known as Shoryu. The Tokoname Ware Cooperative Association lists him as a designated traditional craftsperson specializing in the forming of kyusu teapots and tea ware.
How much tea does it hold?
Its capacity is approximately 8.8 fl oz (260 ml), a compact size that works well for one or two cups depending on the size of your teacups.
Does it have a built-in tea strainer?
Yes. The teapot uses an integrated ceramic Ceramesh strainer, so loose tea leaves can infuse directly inside the pot without a separate metal basket.
Will every teapot look exactly the same?
No. The supplier notes that these teapots are individually made and fired, so glaze tone, glaze flow, pinholes, size, weight, and other surface details may vary slightly. The Tenmoku glaze can also develop differently from firing to firing.
Tokoname (常滑)- A City Shaped by Clay
Tokoname (常滑), located in Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s revered Six Ancient Kilns with a ceramic tradition spanning over 900 years. Rich in iron clay, the city became famous for its distinctive red unglazed pottery, especially the kyūsu teapots used in Japanese tea culture.
Tokoname’s historic climbing kilns once enabled large-scale production, and today, many artisans still handcraft pottery using age-old techniques. Visitors can explore the Pottery Footpath (Yakimono Sanpomichi), lined with studios, kilns, and ceramic-lined walls—a testament to the city’s enduring legacy.
Blending functionality with rustic elegance, Tokoname ware continues to inspire with its wabi-sabi aesthetic and connection to Japan’s ceramic soul.
Made by Tokono Ware (Yamakiikai) Artisans in Japan
Founded in 1933, this company stands as a testament to the enduring heritage of Tokoname ware—one of Japan’s oldest and most revered ceramic traditions.
Located in the heart of Aichi Prefecture, Tokoname is known for its iron-rich red clay and unglazed pottery, particularly the side-handled kyūsu teapots cherished by tea connoisseurs around the world. From its earliest days, the company has dedicated itself to preserving and advancing this legacy of craftsmanship.
By establishing foundational infrastructure such as its head office in 1965, and later a showroom in 1977, it positioned itself not only as a producer but also as a cultural ambassador of Tokoname’s unique ceramic identity. Through its continual investment in kilns, warehousing, and exhibition spaces, the company has helped bring Tokoname’s earthy, tactile, and beautifully utilitarian ceramics to generations of customers—both in Japan and abroad.
Made by Tokono Ware (Yamakiikai) Artisans in Japan
Founded in 1933, this company stands as a testament to the enduring heritage of Tokoname ware—one of Japan’s oldest and most revered ceramic traditions.
Located in the heart of Aichi Prefecture, Tokoname is known for its iron-rich red clay and unglazed pottery, particularly the side-handled kyūsu teapots cherished by tea connoisseurs around the world. From its earliest days, the company has dedicated itself to preserving and advancing this legacy of craftsmanship.
By establishing foundational infrastructure such as its head office in 1965, and later a showroom in 1977, it positioned itself not only as a producer but also as a cultural ambassador of Tokoname’s unique ceramic identity. Through its continual investment in kilns, warehousing, and exhibition spaces, the company has helped bring Tokoname’s earthy, tactile, and beautifully utilitarian ceramics to generations of customers—both in Japan and abroad.
FAQs
All you need to know about Tokoname Ware.
What is Tokoname ware, and why is it so special?
Tokoname ware (常滑焼, Tokoname-yaki) is a traditional form of Japanese pottery that originates from Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. With over 900 years of history, it is celebrated for its distinctive use of iron-rich red clay, which is often left unglazed to allow the clay’s natural beauty to shine. This unglazed surface develops a soft sheen and character with age and use, especially when used with tea. Tokoname ware is renowned for its balance of rustic charm, elegant simplicity, and everyday functionality, making it both a collector’s favorite and a staple of modern Japanese homes.
Why are Tokoname teapots (kyūsu) especially valued by tea lovers?
Tokoname’s side-handled teapots, or kyūsu, are highly prized in Japanese tea culture for their superb heat retention, smooth pour, and the unique way the unglazed clay enhances the flavor of green tea—particularly sencha and gyokuro. The clay subtly absorbs tea oils over time, enriching the aroma and depth of future brews. Many Tokoname teapots also feature built-in ceramic mesh filters, which allow for a clean, refined pour without metal interference. These qualities, paired with minimalist design and ergonomic handling, make Tokoname teapots a must-have for serious tea enthusiasts.
Is Tokoname ware always red? Are there other styles or finishes?
While Tokoname ware is most famously associated with its iconic reddish-brown clay, not all pieces are the same. The region’s artisans also produce wares with black, gray, or ash-glazed finishes, depending on the firing techniques, clay blends, and whether they use oxidation or reduction kilns. Some artists incorporate modern design sensibilities, experimenting with glazes and forms, while others preserve traditional aesthetics. Regardless of style, the unifying theme is a commitment to natural textures, balanced forms, and the philosophy of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.
Can Tokoname ware be used daily, or is it mostly decorative?
Tokoname ware is not only beautiful—it’s also highly functional and durable, intended for everyday use. Items like teapots, cups, planters, and incense holders are made to be used regularly. The clay’s natural heat resistance and strength make it ideal for repeated brewing and handling. That said, as with all artisanal ceramics, a little care goes a long way. Avoid using Tokoname ware in microwaves or dishwashers (especially unglazed pieces), and hand wash with warm water only. With proper care, these pieces can last a lifetime and become even more beautiful with age.
How do I know if a piece is authentic Tokoname ware?
Authentic Tokoname ware is typically handcrafted in Tokoname City by artisans who are part of long-established studios or kilns. Many genuine pieces bear a maker’s seal or signature, often engraved or stamped on the base. You may also find regional certifications or documentation when purchasing from reputable sources. Look for details that reflect handcraftsmanship—subtle variations in glaze, slight asymmetry, or a tactile surface. Buying from trusted retailers or directly from workshops ensures authenticity and helps support the preservation of Tokoname’s cultural heritage.
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