Teapot / Yamada Yutaro / Mogake Black / Yokote

This is a kyusu (teapot) made by Yutaro Yamada, one of Tokoname's leading young artists.

[About usability]

A major characteristic of his work is its ease of use.
Because it is made very lightly, you can pour hot water without feeling it heavy.

The size is also compact, so even women can handle it with ease.

All the holes in the tea strainer are handmade. The mesh is very fine, so you can use it without problems even for fukamushi sencha (deep-steamed green tea).

Each kyusu has a tea strainer of the appropriate size, and the angle of attachment is also adjusted, so all the kyusu have excellent water drainage, making the moment of pouring enjoyable.

The handle is also distinctive; as shown in the image, it is held by pinching it with the index and middle fingers.
This makes it easy to turn your hand and stabilizes the pouring of hot water. With a regular kyusu, this grip would feel heavy and put a little strain when hot water is poured in, but Yutaro-san's kyusu has a comfortable fit and lightness that doesn't feel like a burden.

Recommended water volume: 100ml to 120ml (please fill up to the middle of the tea strainer as a guide.)

[About the design]

The design features are the clay, patterns, and color.
He goes to the mountains of Tokoname to find the clay himself. After letting it rest for several years to remove harshness, it results in a beautiful finish with fewer surface scratches.

He also expresses stylish patterns using a traditional technique called "mokake."
Before firing, he wraps seaweed ("mo") around the kyusu, imagining the finished product, to create patterns.

Regarding the color, this kyusu is fired using a method called "reduction firing."
When combustion proceeds in a state with insufficient oxygen, this clay turns black.

After firing in the kiln, a process called "reduction cooling" is performed, where gas is introduced to cool the kyusu, making it shiny black. This color is particularly popular among Yutaro-san's works.

[Profile]

Yutaro Yamada
Born in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture in 1992
Graduated from Aichi Prefectural Tokoname High School, Ceramic Arts Department in 2010
Graduated from Daido University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Urban Environmental Design in 2014
Completed Tokoname Tounomori Ceramic Art Research Institute in 2017
Became independent in 2017, currently active based in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture

*1 As each item is handmade, there may be slight differences in size. Please understand the characteristics of the product before purchasing.

*2 As each item is a unique, handmade piece by the artist, it may be sold out in stores. We apologize for any inconvenience if it is sold out.