After having presented here several new kyûsu by young potter Shiraiwa Taisuke, let me present this time his wood fire kiln in Hakodate. A very long time, adding and adding wood in order to increase temperature in kiln to about… Read More ›
tea pot
General criteria guide for Japanese tea pot
The weather in Japan with a lot of rain relayed the harvest of the first 2015 shincha. So in the meantime, I’ll talk here a little about Japanese teapots (Kyûsu but hôhin) to give, especially to beginners, some choice criteria… Read More ›
Encounters in Tokoname I: Shôryû: “My teapots are my treasures.”
After visiting Banko-yaki potters in Yokkaichi before the 2014 shincha season began, it seemed only reasonable to continue the fun with a trip to Tokoname. There, I was able to meet Shôryû, and visit the Takasuke factory. For those who… Read More ›
Banko-yaki, visit to Yokkaichi
A few days ago, I was able to take a trip to Yokkaichi in Mie Prfecture, the cradle of Banko-yaki 萬古焼 ceramics. When you talk about kyûsus in Japan, the first name that springs to mind is Tokoname-yaki, but then… Read More ›
Banko-yaki vs Tokoname-yaki III
This is the continuation and finale of this little series in which we have placed in parallel (and not in competition) teapots by Banko-yaki and Tokoname-yaki artists. This time, we will be experimenting with two kyûsus that are smaller than… Read More ›
Banko-yaki vs Tokoname-yaki II
This time, the contest was between two other teapots: a Banko by Tachi Masaki 舘正規, and a Tokoname by the famous Yûsen 友仙. (You can admire it here.) The tea I chose was a notch higher: the excellent traditional-steamed sencha… Read More ›
Banko-yaki vs Tokoname-yaki I
Teas of Japan is offering a few Banko-yaki teapots, including three hand-turned teapots: one by Iroku, one by Jitsuzan, and one by Masaki. Here they are: Banko-yaki pottery dates back to the Genbun Era (1736-40), with the establishment of a… Read More ›