My Japanese Teaware
I have recently added some Japanese teaware to my growing collection of Chinese pots and gaiwans. I was very interested in purchasing a Tokoname teapot, because I really love Japanese green tea and it is well known that the Tokoname clay presents the best flavour for Japanese green teas. This wasn’t an inexpensive purchase, but my curiosity drove me to buy this particular chattered Kyusu style teapot.[1] It has the lovely red and black colouring that reminds me of Egyptian black-topped red ware, [2] and has a beautiful chattering pattern, a large opening for adding tea, and a fine, built-in strainer.
A Google Translation of the enclosed card follows:
“Tokoname ware handmade teapot.
This is a Tokoname ware workshop located in Tokoname City, which has been making teapots since 1961.
They have long specialized in tea utensils, and their red clay teapots, in particular, are famous throughout Japan.
Tokoname ware has a thousand-year history and is recognized as one of Japan’s six ancient kilns and a Japan Heritage site.
The most distinctive feature of Tokoname ware teapots is the use of clay that contains a high amount of iron. This iron content is said to mellow the bitterness and astringency of tea, and the teapots remain popular even today.
Enjoy delicious tea in a meticulously crafted teapot, made with care and attention to detail.
Please enjoy.”
I will share my taste tests with this pot in future posts. For a general tourist overview of Tokoname I recommend a recent post by Japan Experience.[3]
In addition to this pot, I had also recently purchased a set of some small Japanese Mino yaki (美濃焼) plates from Nanao Kimono.[4] These plates can be used under teacups, a rest for spoons or chopsticks, for soy sauce or other condiments. I find I have many uses for such beautiful and delicate plates.
Do you have a favourite piece of Japanese teaware? Have you tried making green tea in a Tokoname teapot? How was it?
Feel free to share in the comments section below!
[1] Kyusu Japanese Teapot - Chattered - Yohen - 250ml - https://thenakedleaf.ca/collections/tokoname-teapots/products/kyusu-japanese-teapot-chattered-yohen-250ml-m253-3?variant=51728749527322 - purchased by me on March 13, 2026.
[2] The Egyptian archaeologist in me couldn’t avoid the comparison - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-topped_pottery
[3] Japan Experience (2024) Tokoname: Japan's pottery capital and home to traditional teapot craftsmanship. Published online March 27, 2024.
[4] Nanao Kimono - on 10 St NW in Calgary - https://nanaokimono.com/ They truly have a lovely selection of Japanese ceramics.
