Sangiri Dragon Japanese Tea Set

A singular work of fire and clay. This Bizen tea set by Mori Toshiaki is a masterful fusion of tradition, artistry, and the elemental power of fire. Crafted entirely by hand, it embodies the raw beauty of unglazed clay, shaped and transformed through flames.

The surface of each piece bears the sangiri pattern, a striking hallmark of Bizen ware. Achieved by strategically placing charcoal around the pieces in the final moments of firing, this process results in organic variations of deep smoky grays, soft metallic hues, and rare blue or golden undertones. No two sangiri patterns are ever the same.

At the heart of the set is the hohin teapot, a handleless vessel designed for brewing high-quality green tea at a moderate temperature. Its wide, open form allows delicate tea leaves to unfurl fully, releasing their nuanced flavors with every infusion. The yuzamashi cooling pitcher accompanies it, gently tempering hot water before it meets the tea—an essential step to bring out the finest notes without bitterness. Completing the set are five teacups, their unglazed surfaces absorbing warmth and deepening the experience of each sip.

Perched atop the hohin lid, a meticulously sculpted dragon coils in quiet command—its sinuous form hand-carved in extraordinary detail. Chosen as a motif during a period of artistic reflection, the dragon symbolizes wisdom, strength, and the unseen forces that shape both fire and clay. An alternate lid without the dragon is also included, offering a more understated and practical option for daily use—though the dragon-topped lid remains the soul of this singular piece.

This tea set offers more than function—it invites a moment of quiet indulgence, where time slows, and each cup becomes a connection to the artistry and natural elements that forged it.

There is only one in the world. A piece of artistry that will never be replicated.

Mori Toshiaki

Among the esteemed lineages known as the Bizen Rokusei, or Six Ancient Kilns of Bizen ware, Hozan Kiln stands out as a venerable institution. Mori Toshiaki, the 19th-generation successor, masterfully upholds this rich tradition while pioneering new possibilities. Balancing his responsibilities at the kiln with his personal artistic pursuits, Mori conducts extensive research and explores innovative approaches in both shaping and firing techniques, pushing the boundaries of Bizen ware.

Bizen ware is a traditional stoneware produced in the Imbe area of Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the oldest ceramics in Japan, and is made using the yakishime technique, in which pieces are fired at high temperatures without glaze to make them durable and water-resistant.

Bizen ware is called "the art of clay and fire" for the exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln's flames, and is characterized by its minimalist, wabi sabi design.