Plum Blossom Tenmoku Tokoname Kokudei Teapot
Best artisanal teapot for tea enthusiasts seeking traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Experience the artistry of Japanese tea culture with this exquisite Tokoname-yaki kyusu, handcrafted by Shōji Umehara of Shōryū Kiln. Made from unique iron-rich kokudei clay, it features a deep black finish with Shōryū's signature tenmoku spotting and delicate hand-painted plum blossoms. This teapot is designed for an optimal tea-brewing experience, complete with a built-in ceramic sasame filter for natural, efficient straining and faster pouring. It's a beautiful blend of traditional craftsmanship and functional elegance for your daily tea ritual.
$164.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
95
/ 3081
#95 in Coffee Servers & Tea Pots
Price vs Category Average
-19%
Below average
Capacity
2608.79
/ ml ( oz)
Who it's for
- Aesthetes looking for a durable, elegant centerpiece for tea service
- Green tea enthusiasts seeking a smoother, more balanced flavor profile
- Collectors valuing authentic, traditional Japanese artisan craftsmanship
Who should skip it
- Casual drinkers who prefer brewing many different tea varieties
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for mass-produced, affordable kitchenware
- Users needing low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe, or highly durable teaware
Performance breakdown
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Hand-painted details and authentic kiln-fired clay showcase master-level Japanese artistry.
Filtration Efficiency
The integrated ceramic sasame filter ensures a clean, sediment-free pour every time.
Flavor Enhancement
Iron-rich kokudei clay naturally softens water and elevates delicate tea profiles.
Ergonomic Handling
Traditional side-handle design offers precise control during the pouring ritual.
Maintenance Requirements
Requires careful hand-washing and dedicated care to preserve the delicate finish.
Thermal Retention
Standard ceramic thickness provides steady heat for multiple short-steep infusions.
Key Specs
Capacity
260 ml (8.79 oz)
Material
Tokoname-yaki Ceramics
Width
13.1 cm (5.2 in) (including handle)
Height
9.1 cm (3.6 in)
Artist
Shōji Umehara of Shōryū Kiln
Origin
Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Finish
Matte feel, tenmoku effect
Includes
Built-in Permanent Mesh Filter
Features
- Authentic Tokoname-yaki craftsmanship
- Unique black kokudei clay
- Artistic tenmoku spotting
- Hand-painted plum blossom design
- Built-in ceramic sasame filter
- Efficient and natural straining
- Clay enhances tea flavor
- Traditional Japanese teapot shape
What customers say
Customers view the Plum Blossom Tenmoku Teapot as a functional piece of art, praising its exceptional quality and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Reviewers consistently highlight the stunning aesthetic appeal, noting the beautiful contrast between the dark Tenmoku glaze and the plum blossom motif. The tactile experience is highly valued; the Kokudei clay offers an earthy feel, and the unglazed interior is reported to enhance tea flavor profiles as the clay seasons over time. Functionality earns top marks due to the perfect balance, comfortable handle, and flawless pour. The precision of the lid fit and the effective strainer demonstrate masterful attention to detail. While premium priced, enthusiasts agree the superior quality and elevated brewing experience fully justify the investment, making this a treasured heirloom piece.
Know before you buy
Kokudei is an iron-rich clay unique to the Tokoname region. It is prized for its ability to interact with tea leaves, often softening the astringency and enhancing the overall flavor profile of your brew.
The sasame filter is a ceramic mesh integrated directly into the teapot's body. Because it is made of the same material as the pot, it provides a more natural straining process and is less prone to clogging or metallic aftertastes compared to stainless steel inserts.
Yes. This teapot is not dishwasher, microwave, or stovetop safe. You should hand wash it using only warm water—avoid using soap, as the porous clay can absorb scents and chemicals that may affect future brews.
With a 260 ml (8.79 oz) capacity, this teapot is ideal for individual use or for serving two people small, concentrated cups of tea. It is perfectly sized for traditional Japanese brewing styles where multiple short infusions are preferred.
The design is applied by the artist, Shōji Umehara, using traditional techniques. With proper hand-washing and gentle handling, the artwork will remain vibrant and intact for years of regular use.
While you can use it for various teas, the porous nature of Tokoname clay means it will gradually 'season' with the oils of the tea you brew most often. For the best flavor, it is recommended to dedicate this pot to one specific category of tea, such as sencha or other Japanese green teas.
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$164