The name "Tokoname" means "smooth soil" in Japanese. Tokoname was so called in the Heian period (794-1185) because it is a place where strata containing a lot of smooth clay suitable for kiln manufacture are exposed. The clay of Tokoname, which contains a high content of iron, can be fired hard at a relatively low temperature even in Japanese ceramics, which is based on high temperature firing, and is classified as earthen ware, but does not leak water even without glazing.

Tokoname ware turns a beautiful vermilion color when fired, and the unglazed, matte surface has a moist, earthy texture. The lid and body of the teapot are made without gaps by the excellent skills of the master ceramicists, resulting in a teapot that is both elegant and utilitarian.

The unglazed, but beautiful vermilion color characteristic of authentic Tokoname Ware is derived from a special red clay called “Shudei", which is produced locally in Tokoname area. The Shudei clay is mixed based on three raw materials: rice field soil from Tokoname that is rich in iron, shale clay called “Fuki", and granite that has been ground into powder.

Nowadays, not only vermilion, but also various beautiful shades of green and blue can be expressed by blending techniques. In all of these cases, Tokoname clay has an incredibly smooth texture, and achieves moist, beautiful, high-quality ceramics.

Tokoname Ware is especially known for its fine quality “Kyusu" teapots. The authentic Japanese shape of the teapot allows you to brew Sencha green tea with an elegant gesture. The unglazed base of Tokoname Ware absorbs the sourness of the tea and makes the tea taste more mellow and delicious.

Perfect Lid

Tokoname teapots are made by skilled ceramic artisans using a potter's wheel to ensure that the lid and body of the teapot are perfectly aligned, preventing the temperature of the tea well.

Earthen Ware

Tokoname Ware is a beautiful vermilion earthen ware with a high iron content, and the smooth base effect makes the tea more flavorful.

Tea Strainer

The mesh inside the Tokoname teapot is also very fine, ensuring that even the smallest of green tea leaves are not missed.

Sharp Spout

Tokoname teapots have a spout that is designed to prevent drops of tea from dripping. The quality of the craftsmanship creates a sense of comfort.

A ceramic tea strainer is recommended to fully enjoy the aroma of tea. It can be used for a variety of tea leaves, from high-grade tea such as Gyokuro(refined green tea) to Hojicha(roasted green tea) for daily use. Dome-shaped ceramic tea strainers have hundreds of holes made one by one by master craftsman. On the other hand, "Sasame" and "Ceramesh", which are processed with elaborate molds, are made using new ceramics technology. 
Both of the tea strainers are known for less clogging of tea leaves and smooth tea pouring. 

It can be used for all kinds of teas, as the fine stainless steel mesh strainer is built in the body of the teapot. It is less likely to clog and pours out tea most quickly, allowing tea leaves to float more freely than cup strainers and brewing more fragrant tea. You can enjoy a quick cup of tea with rich flavor while you are busy with housework or work. 

A stainless steel mesh strainer. The appropriate mesh size allows for smooth brewing of even the finest tea leaves. The "Sawayaka" strainer in particular, has the end of the mesh bent inward to prevent hands and sponges from being damaged during cleaning.

The removable stainless steel cup strainer is ideal for those who want to enjoy tea quickly and on a daily basis, as it is convenient for disposing of tea leaves. The fine mesh stainless steel strainer can be used not only for Japanese tea, but also for black tea, Chinese tea, and other teas from around the world, as well as herbal tea, persimmon tea, and buckwheat tea.

Tokoname Ware is a ceramic ware produced in the region of Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, which has been one of the oldest kiln industry. Facing Ise Bay and blessed with clay and pine trees for fuel, jars and pots were fired here from the Heian period (794-1185), and in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), tea bowls, and small plates were fired, spreading throughout all over Japan.

In the late Edo period (1603-1868), a series of climbing kilns, the most advanced kiln system in the world at the time, was installed in Tokoname City, and ceramic clay pipes for city water and red clay teapots which is today’s most represented item of Tokoname Ware were produced.

In the middle of the Edo period, "Sencha (Japanese green tea)" was first imported to Japan, and the production of tea ware such as teapots began in Tokoname City under the guidance of the monk Seishu of the Soshinji Temple.

The ceramic clay in Tokoname was originally well-suited for making teapots, but in the latter half of the Edo period, Tokoname succeeded in developing “Shudei (red clay)" and Tokoname became famous for its excellent tea ware, especially red clay ware with superior potter’s wheel technique.