Kyusu Tokoname
Isshin Yohen

Isshin 一心

Founded in 1980 by Sadao Tsuchihira (土平 貞雄), the Isshin kiln specialises in traditional ash and irabo glaze Tokoname wares that emphasise the natural beauty of the clay. In 1996 Tsuchihira’s son Eiichi (土平 栄一) joined the family business. Whether products are mass produced or one-off, Isshin makes their pottery with all their heart – hence the name which translates to “wholeheartedness”.

Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼

Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, as far back as the 12th century. Tokoname was the site of the largest and oldest of the legendary Six Ancient Kilns of Japan and is celebrated for its local iron-rich shudei clay that turns red after firing. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red shudei turns black – the other characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki. Traditional Tokoname kyusu teapots are unglazed on the inside, allowing the tannins in the tea to react with the iron in the clay body, which is said to reduce astringency and highlight the sweetness of green teas. Since 1976, Tokoname-yaki has been protected as a traditional craft of Japan.

Yōhen 窯変

Written as “kiln change,” yōhen refers to the variations in colour and texture of ceramics, which happen during firing. This technique is a feature in various Japanese pottery styles, including Tokoname, Shino, Bizen and Tenmoku. Within Tokoname-yaki, the red/bronze and black two-tone effect can be achieved by partially burying a red, oxidation-fired item in rice husks or ashes and refiring it in a reduction furnace, which will turn the exposed part black, while leaving the buried part red.