A fine Shiboridashi kyuusu (squeeze-pour teapot), decorated with the benishibori (crimson tie-dye) pattern traditionally used on Japanese kimono silk. Handmade by master artisan Gyokuryu Umehara, a descendant of the first Gyokko of the Tokoname-yaki kiln, one of Japan’s six ancient kilns with production dating back to the 12th century.

Shiboridashi teapots from Tokoname are made with naturally iron-rich clay called shudei, prized for enhancing the mellow flavor of tea. This unique style of teapot is specifically designed for gyokuro and competition grade Japanese teas, offering a serene, hands-on connection to traditional Japanese tea culture.

Handmade Japanese tea wares are referred to as Kogei in Japan; the concept that beauty resides in the artisan’s work through nuances, wabi-sabi (irregularities), and defining differences between each piece.