Artist: Masaki Tachi

Origin: Mie, Japan

Material: banko clay

Capacity: 160 ml / 5 fl oz (full capacity without tea leaves)

Dimensions: ø7.5 x H:7.5 cm, W 11.5 cm

Masaki Tachi's artwork.

Banko-yaki (Banko ware) has a roughly 300 years old history. The first Banko pots date back to the Genbun era (1736-1740, Edo period), when a merchant called Nunami Rozan got captivated by the Way of Tea, built a kiln in the town of Asahi, Mie prefecture, and started making his own pottery. What once started as a hobby of a merchant turned to be a world-renowned earthenware, recognized as "Traditional Craft" by the Ministry of Economy in Japan. Today, there are more than 100 Banko-yaki kilns centering around the cities of Yokkaichi and Komono in Mie Prefecture.

The “shidei” teapot is one of the hallmarks of Banko-yaki. It is made of red Banko clay, which is exceptionally rich in iron. When the clay is fired in reduction chamber, the heated iron particles turn the color of the clay from deep red to purplish-brown: the signature color of Banko ware. They say the more the teapot is used, the more beautiful and lustrous it becomes. The unglazed purple clay reacts with the tannic acid in the tea, smoothing away the bitterness.

This yokode kyusu is made with great precision, ensuring a beautiful flow without dribbling. Perfect for everyday Japanese green tea sessions.

☆ HANDMADE PRODUCT - Please note that the item we have in stock might not be the same piece shown on the pictures above. Each piece is unique and slightly different from each other. If you are particular about either the size, the capacity or the appearance, contact us, and we will share photos or the exact details of our available pieces in stock.