Asayu Tokoname Ware Side-Handle Kyusu | Thousand-Year-Old Kiln Craft from Aichi Prefecture, Japan | Five Glaze Colors and Capacities Available

Transform your daily sencha, gyokuro, or hojicha moments into a mindful tea ceremony with a Tokoname-yaki side-handle teapot from Japan. This Asayu series of teapots, originating from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, inherits the craftsmanship of Tokoname-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient kilns. Each piece is handcrafted by artisans from natural clay and fired at temperatures exceeding 1120°C. The series offers five glaze colors and capacity options.

Tokoname-yaki is renowned for its iron-rich natural clay and boasts a history of over a thousand years. This series retains an unglazed interior, allowing the iron in the clay to naturally interact with the catechins in the tea, softening astringency and enhancing the aftertaste. These are everyday tea utensils that develop more character with use.

Why is this worth noting?

Compared to ordinary teapots, the Tokoname-yaki side-handle teapot adopts the traditional Yokode Kyūsu design, ensuring a smooth and stable pour. The interior features a flat stainless steel filter, allowing tea leaves to expand evenly and preventing blockages when pouring. The microscopic pores of the unglazed inner wall gradually develop a unique tea aroma and color over time, making it a living vessel that holds memories of tea tasting.

Five styles, each with its own artistic conception

Indigo Glaze close-up

This teapot continues the traditional Yokode Kyūsu design, with a side handle that offers excellent control and a smooth, stable pour, making it especially suitable for brewing Japanese green teas like sencha and gyokuro.

The interior features a flat stainless steel filter that closely adheres to the inner rim, effectively filtering even fine tea leaves. The tea flows out smoothly, allowing for a clean and effortless pouring experience without the need for an additional strainer. The glaze presents a serene blue gradient, subtly revealing the clay's texture. Underneath the thin unglazed surface, natural patterns emerge, creating a calm yet modern visual aesthetic that complements both contemporary and traditional tea settings. The 360ml capacity is just right for personal tea enjoyment or small gatherings, offering both practicality and visual harmony for your daily tea ritual.

Common product features

• 100% made in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, handcrafted by Japanese artisans
• Tokoname-yaki thousand-year-old kiln craftsmanship, fired at over 1120°C
• Unglazed interior retained, allowing iron in clay to soften tea astringency and enhance aftertaste
• Flat stainless steel filter (Hira-ami) for smooth pouring without leaf blockages
• Side-handle design for smooth and stable pouring angle, suitable for both beginners and experienced tea lovers

Care instructions

• Rinse only with cold or warm water; cleaning agents are not recommended.
• Ensure it is completely dry after washing before storing.
• Over time, the clay's color will naturally deepen, developing a unique flavor and character.

Suitable for these people

• Collectors who appreciate Tokoname-yaki craftsmanship and Japanese pottery culture.
• Tea lovers with a daily habit of enjoying sencha, gyokuro, or hojicha.
• Those who value the "nurturing the teapot" culture and enjoy the evolution of teaware over time.
• Anyone looking for exquisite Japanese tea ceremony gifts (for birthdays, housewarmings, or holidays).
• Those who prefer cool, subdued colors and a modern minimalist lifestyle.

Q&A

Q: Are there any differences between the five models besides the glaze?
A: The main differences lie in capacity, glazing techniques, and exterior textures. For example, the Diamond Carved Pattern emphasizes a three-dimensional carved texture, while the Indigo Glaze presents a cool modern feel. Functionality and usage methods are essentially the same.

Q: Can these teapots be washed in a dishwasher?
A: It is not recommended. This series should only be rinsed with cold or warm water, and cleaning agents are not advised. After washing, ensure it is completely dry before storing.

Q: How should I choose the capacity?
A: 280-360ml is suitable for daily tea tasting for 1-2 people. The 430ml model has a slightly larger capacity; if you often share tea with friends and family, you might consider a larger capacity.

Q: Will the unglazed inner wall affect cleaning?
A: No, the unglazed inner wall is a deliberate design feature that allows the clay and tea to interact naturally, enhancing the aftertaste. It is recommended to rinse with water only and dry completely.