The decorative Nerikomi "kneading" technique involves pressing different coloured clays together to create a block of multicoloured clay that is then shaped on the wheel to create unique, eye-catching ceramics. Clays can be carefully arranged to form elaborate geometric patterns, or randomly kneaded for a marbled effect that can be further enhanced by fluting: cutting grooves into the surface.
Teacup Tokoname
Nerikomi Green
Yusen
SKU
1621
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
A beautiful piece of green Ryokudei Tokoname-yaki, this one-of-a-kind teacup is handcrafted by Yūsen II using his signature Nerikomi marbling technique combined with fluting for added layers of colour and texture. Suitable for serving all types of Japanese green tea.
Yūsen II 友仙
Born Kenji Konishi (小西研二), Yūsen II is from one of the most respected Tokoname-yaki dynasties as the son of Yūsen Konishi (小西友仙) and the younger brother of Yohei Konishi (小西洋平). Yūsen II perfected his father's signature Nerikomi marbling technique, and despite not being the first-born son, inherited the family name in 1990.
Kumidashi 汲み出し
The Kumidashi is a short, light, handle-free teacup traditionally used to serve Sencha during Senchadō: the Japanese leaf tea ceremony (as opposed to Sadō for matcha powdered green tea). Kumidashi with mouths that spread outwards are particularly suitable for high-grade teas as the shape helps to amplify the aroma. Often sold in sets of five, Kumidashi are the choice of teacup when entertaining guests.
Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼
Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi prefecture, as far back as the 12th century, and since 1976 has been protected as a Traditional Craft of Japan. Tokoname was the site of the largest and oldest of the legendary Rokkoyō (六古窯): the “Six Ancient Kilns” of Japan, and continues to be the leading ceramics production centre in Japan today. Synonymous with Tokoname is the local iron-rich Shudei clay that turns a bright red after baking. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red transforms to black – another characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki. Traditional Tokoname Kyusu teapots are unglazed on the inside, allowing the tannins in the tea to interact with the iron in the clay body, which is said to reduce astringency and highlight the sweetness of green teas. Another key feature of Tokoname Kyusu are the perfectly fitting lids, which are ground into the clay body after firing in a technique known as Suriawase. Besides red and black, Tokoname wares can also come in a variety of colours and finishes by mixing other pigmented clays or coating in Chara (チャラ) slip glaze, as well as traditional decorative techniques such as Yōhen (窯変) ombré and Mogake (藻掛け) "seaweed covering".
