Yamamoto Taisen: Purple Clay Ladle

Banko ware purple clay

Although purple clay (shidei 紫泥 or しでい) in Mie is an entirely different material from the purple clay from Yixing (zisha 紫砂 or zi-ni 紫泥 ), it claims to have the similar characteristics of gradual build-up in colour upon repeated usage. To us, it is the classic stone-ladle Yixing teapot form and good workmanship that catch our eyes and want to give it a try.

Although there is a pleasing and even sheen on the surface, the infusion ware is not glazed. The effect is achieved through diligent workmanship on the bisque and meticulous control in kiln temperature during various stages of the firing, as in genuine Yixing teapots.

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.