Soft-Sheen Japanese Tea Set

This tea set pairs a Banko ware teapot with two matching cups, finished in shidei (purple clay) hue that carries a calm, understated sheen. Banko ware comes from an area neighboring Tokoname and has long been respected in Japan as the birthplace of fine tea vessels. Every piece here is wheel-thrown, giving the silhouettes a poised, well-proportioned presence that feels quietly confident on the table.

The teapot lid seats with a precise, reassuring fit, evidence of an artisan who knows Banko teapots inside and out. It features a built-in ceramic strainer, which gently draws out the tea leaves’ aroma and umami for a smooth, well-rounded cup. Because the teapot is left unglazed, its surface gradually gains depth and luster through use, letting you enjoy the slow, intimate pleasure of a tool that matures alongside your daily ritual.

The set is presented in a high-quality wooden box, carefully fitted and finished with hand-brushed calligraphy on the lid. Its crisp, dignified look adds a sense of occasion, making this collection as suitable for your own home as it is for a thoughtful gift—one that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone who values craft, tea, and time well spent.

Masaki Kiln

Tachi Masaki is a master of traditional craft, specializing in Banko ware kyusu teapots. In his early twenties, he received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry prize and was hailed as a “prodigy” in ceramics. Since then, he has preserved the traditions of Banko ware while creating works attuned to contemporary sensibilities.

His Banko ware teapots are made from iron-rich red clay that turns deep blue-black in a reduction firing, then re-oxidizes into the shidei (purple clay) hue. His work is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yokkaichi for its superb craftsmanship.

Yokkaichi Banko-Ware

Von alltäglichem Geschirr bis hin zu Blumenvasen ist Yokkaichi Banko-Ware, allgemein als Banko-Ware bezeichnet, für ihre bemerkenswerte Vielfalt bekannt. Zu den bekanntesten Kreationen gehört die donabe, oder japanischer Tontopf. Er ist wegen seiner Haltbarkeit und Wärmespeicherung beliebt und ist zu einem Grundnahrungsmittel für hausgemachte Mahlzeiten geworden – und heute sind rund 80 Prozent aller in Japan produzierten Donabe Banko-Ware.

Banko-Keramik entstand in der Mitte der Edo-Zeit (1603–1868 n. Chr.), als ein kultivierter Teeliebhaber namens Nunami Rozan im heutigen Kuwana in der Präfektur Mie mit der Herstellung von Keramik begann. Anstatt die Ware nach ihrer Region zu benennen, wählte er das Wort „Banko„“ – was „Ewigkeit“ bedeutet – als Wunsch, dass seine Kreationen über Generationen hinweg Bestand haben. Dieser beständige Geist lebt bis heute weiter, und in Anerkennung seines kulturellen und historischen Werts wurde Banko-Ware 1979 vom japanischen Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Handel und Industrie zum traditionellen Kunsthandwerk erklärt.