Tokuta Fujita: Yohen-kin Yuzamashi, water cooling vessel

A water cooling vessel?

Since most Japanese leaf green teas require a rather low infusion temperature, as in the range of 60 ~ 70°C (140 ~ 160°F), a water cooling vessel is a common tableware for tea enthusiasts.  The capacity should generally be a little larger than the infusion vessel.

Reduction firing using a local clay of high mineral contents

For his passion in advocating Takoname ware, Master Fujita employs the full range of the local clays, applying each in different works. The glittery effects of this otherwise humble piece of side teaware is achieved by a special reduction firing technique on a special blend of clay with high mineral contents. During the firing, oxygen level is minimised to cause a reduction that forces the rich mineral contents in the clay to surface and crystallise, forming the beautiful random metallic speckles. This is another signature style by the master.

This is a handmade item. Each individual piece delivered may have slight variations in colour, pattern, shape and details from the particular one used in these pictures.