Tokuta Fujita
| Item | Kyusu teapot |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tokoname, Aichi, Japan |
| Artist | Tokuta Fujita |
| Colour | Charcoal grey |
| Volume | 240ml |
| Dimensions | Ø10.5 x H5cm |
| Material | Ceramic, unglazed |
| Strainer | Ceramic mesh |
| Artist mark | Seal below handle |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore colour, volume and dimensions may vary slightly
Born in 1975 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka prefecture, Tokuta Fujita is at the vanguard of a new wave of Tokoname-yaki potters. He started studying Tokoname pottery in 1994, and was later an apprentice to Araki Toshio (荒木俊雄). Come the early 2010s he ventured into making teapots, exploring a variety of classic Tokoname styles to craft his own artistic vision.
The traditional Japanese teapot, Kyusu are typically made of ceramics with a side handle placed at a 90° angle to the spout for ease of pouring – however the handle can also be found over the top or in the back. Kyusu are perfect for preparing green teas and tend to be on the small side to prevent overbrewing. Depending on the size, shape and type of clay a Kyusu is made from will determine what type of tea is best prepared in it. There are many different regional styles as well as Kyusu made by certified Traditional Craftsmen, which are prized amongst collectors.
Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi prefecture, as far back as the 12th century, and since 1976 has been protected as a Traditional Craft of Japan. Tokoname was the site of the largest and oldest of the legendary Rokkoyō (六古窯): the “Six Ancient Kilns” of Japan, and is celebrated for its iron-rich Shudei clay that turns a bright red after firing. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red Shudei turns black – another characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki. High-fired at temperatures of around 1100°C and left unglazed (Yakishime, 焼き締め), this allows tannins in the tea to interact with the iron in the clay body, which is said to reduce astringency and highlight the sweetness of green teas. Another key feature of these Kyusu are the perfectly fitting lids, which are ground into the clay body after firing in a technique known as Suriawase.
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