Japanese Teaware - Trip to Tokoname in Japan

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We visit Tokoname in Japan to pick up some Japanese teaware. From the famous Kyusu to the Shiboridashi, Japan has some unique tea wares which are very different to Chinese Gaiwans and teapots. We meet a Tokoname master craftsman and observe the process of creating of the traditional Japanese teaware.
Interested in the Japanese teaware?
Red Spiral Tokoname Clay Kyusu: meileaf.com/p/...
Scorched Black Tokoname Clay Kyusu: meileaf.com/p/...
Green Feather Tokoname Clay Pot: meileaf.com/p/...
Seashell Porcelain Tokoname Yuzamashi: meileaf.com/p/...
For the other teaware in the video please send us a message.
To taste our Kanaya Midori Sencha: meileaf.com/p/...
Deep dive into the processing of Japanese Green tea
• Understanding Japanese...
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[@johnmontoya2398]

I've lived in Japan for the past 20 years. Three years ago, I discovered your channel accidentally; I've been in love with tea ever since. I am currently studying with a tea master in Japan....for 5 months. This journey is amazing. My goal is to grow tea for myself and family and be able to process it all by hand. Thank you so much.

[@JacobGoodwinMusic]

That sounds like a dream!

[@vertex2720]

I am a Tea consultant

[@rebirthofthecool5619]

​@@vertex2720 are you?

[@rebirthofthecool5619]

What do you know about Japanese clays?

[@ZacharyBraun]

Are you kidding, Celine's pick (#7) is incredible! #8 is also stunning.

[@norabellerose8560]

I’m actually tearing up because the passion in making the kyusu’s is just so beautiful and breath taking.

[@fanaticalpotato]

Two videos in one week! You are spoiling us, Don and Celine.

[@teaformeplease]

I definitely love the shibo the most. Japanese teaware has such an understated elegance to it that I really enjoy.

[@satan15107291]

I love the simple elegance of the first kyusu. The color is wonderful and I love its simplicity.

[@Mr_Lee_Watermelon]

It is a real pleasure to watch the traditional Japanese Teaware being made by the master. Love the simplicity / distinction in the wrist action described in the video too i.e. 7:03. Thank you again for sharing these wonderful videos that you put together .. ;) Xx p.s. All the Teaware in the video is beautiful. Numbers 2 and 5 are my favourites .. :)

[@alskndlaskndal]

I really like the classic #1! I think the squashed oval shape of the classic kyusu is so beautiful and I absolutely love the rich, red/orange color of that type of clay.

[@FrenchGuyCooking]

The Candy Shop

[@Jirdoo2]

Alex! What's your favourite tea?

[@madman1052]

What's you favorite tea pot Alex? Also love your channel! You have inspired my cooking a lot!

[@elephantear7659]

Wow really great presentation with much information to consider and experiment with, very fascinating and much appreciated.

[@JanetHamm1961]

I like the red one. ❤

[@kingrichardiii6280]

That pot maker really shows his skill in that demonstration. any one who has never done work off a pot wheel you have to keep and maintain a sturdy posture and hold it steady to resist the force of the wheel, but if you are too hard you may damage the piece or off set the clay. if you let the clay over power you that is when you start to lose control and risk the whole piece collapsing, very tricky especially when thinning the pots walls which must be consistent not only to make sure the pot works right but difference in wall thickness may damage the pot when firing or if it is bad enough chunks may fly off and damage other pots being fired with the faulty piece. and this guy looks as if he is blasting through it.

[@66tritri66]

I love the Scorched Black Tokoname Clay Kyusu n°2

[@stephaniecoyner130]

They are all beautiful, but the last one, #8 I think, is stunning ❤️❤️

[@kenmhilkyong707]

Wow love the 2nd to the last and the last one no.7 wow! Love that and no 8!💗😊

[@giuseppecapilli1954]

Stunning presentation!

[@stephenpepper1790]

Absolutely mesmerizing to watch him work the clay

[@nicolekollman]

just found your channel....I love it!!!

[@enzoma7253]

Wow, the shibori dashi is amazing! Definitely gotta get one of those for gyokuro!

[@brickbuilderx2316]

I’d love to go to Japan and pick out a handful in person, I have a couple that I’ve had shipped from Japan, and I absolutely love them. Pick whichever one depending on how I am feeling at that particular time. I also like consuming tea from smaller sized cups, primarily to experience different depths of flavor, though there are a few teas I prefer to not let steep for too long.

[@mauroguasti9694]

Amazing documental one of the best I had been saw ... Congrats ! all of the kyusu are just spectaculars ... number 8 is a dream, like magic !!!

[@SnurpyTheCat]

Teapot #8 is so lovely

[@thatgirljo2119]

I absolutely obsessed with your channel...so much knowledge!

[@robertdillon9989]

Aa

[@Fraxxxi]

Ooh, a second video this weekend, and for the second time just while I am drinking one of your teas. Cheers!

[@Gottrahmen]

My favorite is hands down #2. I own another kyusu by Gyokko, and I just love his style! Very understated and functional, rustic but modern at the same time. Also a great size for one person.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

That was phenomenal, his skill is very relaxing. I know you don't ever answer youtube comments, but I wish I could buy some of these for green, white , and jasmine tea. I love these videos

[@taifu13781]

The shibori dashi is also very cool! As is the classic teapot shaped one. Selene's inner artist is showing with her choices

[@lidab4489]

Love your No seven teapot

[@fruitlessbeast]

Always wonderful to watch. Japanese potters throw the opposite direction of western potters so it’s a little disorienting but still wonderful. So inspired, I think I’ll make some tea ware tomorrow. On my counter clockwise wheel.

[@BrandonMagloire]

Just Lovely. Kyusu number 3

[@teahead8813]

8 is my favourite number, so definitely kyusu no. 8!

[@は私です彼の名前]

Kagoshima sencha is literally the best in the world imo. At this point, it's so distinctive to me I could pick out blind folded. That being said, different farms produce differences from year to year and local to local.

[@0Templegoddess]

This vid is great! Thank you so much Don and Celine! So incredible to watch that master potter, inspiring and relaxing.

[@laikeatlim8261]

Like the green feather pot.

[@000GunterGabriel000]

So nice to find some Japanese tea culture in your vids!

[@Koato]

Awesome.

[@Mephistopheles019]

Great video, and I see you're trying to break into the crazy high viewership pottery market. Seriously, the amount of pottery videos with 200k+ views is nuts. As always, thanks for the content!

[@HBMcgarrigle]

#2 and the shiboridashi. Those are my favourites!

[@annelinna6508]

I really need #5 in my teaware collection! And Celine's picks are absolutely stunning, especially #8. Love it!

[@csikomas8910]

I love Celine's choice #7, and #8, a true ceremonial accent for tea brewing, but I would have to save up for them. :) I really appreciate that you've shown these Japanese pots and explained them. I really enjoyed the vid and I love knowing the differences. I didn't realize that when I am not using my gong fu system, (your recommend, so thank you), I was performing the Japanese method with the larger cup. As you said, you need to get all the tea into one cup or waste the brew, as you can't let the leaves soak, it ruins the next infusion. Since my tea journey began I have taken over 3 big shelves at home and therefore I tend to do things a little different each day, different combinations of vessels, which I love. Different pots evoke different emotions, I find, aside from the change in the brew. I love that water cooling vessel you showed, so cool, that I could use for the green teas, which I can't seem to get right. Thanks Don and Celine and all the tea heads that work for you and support this channel. So worthwhile. :) cheryl

[@kassiatoure4756]

1,5,7 were stunning

[@mariajesusleighton6853]

Kyuzu n.4 for me, I loved the explosion of colours, the shibori dashi for a good Gyokuro and Celine's pick are lovely as well but way to floral for me. I want them all haha

[@bellaa8477]

This was great inspiration! thank you Mei Leaf

[@gavinmarshall2228]

This is absolutely mesmerizing... thanks!

[@grater32]

I like number 2 and 5. Especially the shiboridashi. My favourite sencha is from Asamiya. Tastes like fresh cut grass and white chocolate.

[@michaelamaestas4950]

Lucky you, how wonderful !

[@cutiepiedaina]

Wow #8 is incredible

[@denisesheehan9189]

I looove YiXing Gong Fu teaware but find Sencha cups practical for daily use. Oolong, Jin Jun Mei and Genmaicha are my favorite for daily drinking. Informative video!

[@rosebudsue3056]

Don: just discovered your website and am in the process of learning about the art of tea brewing. All your vids are super informative and it proves you know and love your tea traditions. Recently we received a plethora of different teas from clients. Knowing my love of tea I accepted this very graciously. However, I cannot read the instruction on the tea cans once my husband brought them home. Here is the list if you can identify them: 1725 Tie Guan Yin, Bama Tea, Jin Jun Mei/Zhong Guo Ming Cha. From your topics, the SCOPE to teas is endless. See!!! I am learning. Over the years we have received clay pots that have been embellished and carved with plum flowers, one actually has an indent in the clay with a beautiful scene. All have that unique crystal sound, one is a Yixing pot, another a purple clay pot (all lids fit perfectly and the entire pot in symmetrical). They seem to have an artist stamp signature on the base. Lastly we received an absolutely exquisite detailed amber teapot with amber cherry blossoms entwined over the entire surface (handle, top and sides). It is so delicate that I do not believe it could possibly be used for anything but decoration. Some day I will have it appraised. I also think they gave me a tea pet but how can I tell if that is what it is. Between jade, ivory figurines (before the ban of ivory) and cloisonne vases that we received as well as inks and grinding stones, various rice papers since I am an artist...everything oriental is intriguing. Am I asking too much if you can recommend books on the history of Chinese tea pots, like the clay pot masters you showed while visiting in China, or any other jade, ivory figurines and cloisonne vases. You seem to be the best source I have found that has such extensive knowledge in Chinese history. A reliable source of recommended books will be such a help. Thank you so much. Happy Tea Time!

[@MeiLeaf]

Hi. It sounds like you have some nice pieces. The books that I have seen which relate to clay potters are in Chinese so I am afraid I can't help you much. The tea is a TGY and a Jin Jun Mei and I have done videos about both of these teas. Check them out and you can compare visually with your tea. The 1725 refers to when the technique for the ball rolled oolong was supposedly invented in Fujian. The Zhong Guo Ming Cha is a list of the top teas on China (the type of tea rather than any particular producer) and Jin Jun Mei is practically always on that list since it was created but as I said in my video there are many JJM's which are very pretty but not worth the price and we prefer the darker types.

[@MeiLeaf]

We do have a few books on ancient Chinese ceramics so if I find anything I will write to you. Thanks!

[@rosebudsue3056]

Mei Leaf ...Thanks, Don. We will be experimenting with each tea for taste but I am unfamiliar with what TGY means. Is it a type of tea or a brand? All this is so new and very difficult to learn because of crossed languages.

[@rosebudsue3056]

TGY is the abbreviation of one of the teas I mentioned. So now I gotcha, OK! Certainly easier to use acronyms. Thanks

[@annathy]

Amazing. I would be honored to purchase one.

[@kityac9810]

I would go with 5 & 8 if I were to pick. But all of them were just lovely.

[@TheGrpgrp]

I like most the first (red) and the green more teapotlike thing :)

[@TheGrpgrp]

But all ar beautiful!

[@quint4817]

No. 2 and the Shibo were definitely my favorites. Smaller volumes are much more useful.

[@katharinafischer5395]

It's so true - The more you get into tea, the smaller the Teaware you prefer! I'd go for Kyusu Nr. 2 or the Shiboridashi Nr. 5

[@pde442]

Amazing video

[@beanbun5793]

your videos are incredibly imformative. thank you so much!!

[@ingz3768]

Kyusu No.2 hands down!!!!!!!

[@Skye_Writer]

#4 and #8 definitely, not that I can afford either one, lol!

[@desertfox432]

Great vid! I love how your editing and music tracks are becoming. Pot No.2 is my favorite. Attractive and functional. Would even be more attractive if slightly smaller. -Enjoyed with the peppy Malt Geazer

[@TheAlexandraKass]

I just bought a shiboridashi yesterday and I am absolutely in love. Use it mostly for oolongs though

[@Paula-dy8vm]

No.7 and 8 are really beautiful! But I don't think I could afford it... no.2 really nice also

[@Fgaru1]

That shiboridashi OMG, DO WANT.

[@joshuetortega3572]

loved this vid don,

[@onixxx1984]

After brewing the tea it is a good idea to put the lid back a bit sideways so it lets the steam escape and does not stew the leaves so it will stay fresh for the subsequent infusions.

[@janetday5431]

No. 7 was my favorite. How can you pick just 4, I would have lost my mind in that shop.i simply love tea pots.i have all styles ,Japanese as well. I've their shape as well. Tea leaves are so nice.

[@matthewwoo6684]

I finally got a kyusu so I feel like I can brew my Japanese tea ^^ Trying that in a gaiwan + filter has been distressing haha

[@MrSunshineKoala]

I love 7 and 8. So beautiful.

[@adamsvetlik6636]

finally japanese green teas :)

[@kenmhilkyong707]

2022 just seen this,love to know this all coz i love teas!💗😊

[@laszlotorday4790]

Amazing video! Great job again! You keep me motivated! Greeting H.Potter (Roxfort) :)

[@pascaleevasameli]

I'm so glad to see your "blend" of Gongfu & Japanese way of brewing. I do exactly the same but I always felt a little guilty about it 😉... That black Kyusu, does it pour well? Might the spout be a little too narrow? It probably is perfect but it looks a bit dribbly... Love your videos, by the way 😄

[@biergischt]

I actually got some small tokoname clay cups today (around 30ml). I often also use a gong dao bei as well. The issue with those small cups in combination with a gong dao Bei and japanese teas is though, you usually brew japanese teas at a really low temperature. That means the last two shots from the gong dao bai are usually way to cold. But damn, I love those new cups already. So I need to find a really small Shiboridashi or kyusu now.

[@samrapp2991]

The beginning is fascinating to watch, would have liked to see the tea pot come together instead you abruptly stopped it

[@katystraw]

I wish I could travel with you guys! Love the videos 💚 I’m starting my first pottery class in January. It would be great to learn from master like this.

[@TeaKeiOu]

The Shibo is stunning 💪🏻

[@angelo8424]

I can't read Japanese, but I think one of those signs behind you says: "You break it, you bought it."

[@ossy43]

I like Tokoname #1, as matter of fact I own one 350 ml and it's great. I love the red color and the simplicity of the design. And drink my tea on a Matsuba yunomi of 100 ml

[@mattdill1219]

We love the vessels that afford tea for 3-4 people (or 1-2 tea addicted persons) especially for the rolled oolongs and other 'growing' types. (Iron Goddess dedicated pot anyone?) We don't have a yixing or etc collection yet but would enjoy a red clay product we could use for both Oolong and Black teas (and etc) without feeling 'tea sacrilegious' because we don't have a teaware collection by type... Thanks for constantly teaching us new stuff!! P.S. -- what is native teaware like in African regions (roobios) vs teaware in China, Japan, or etc? Maybe just inspired by and not that different, but we love learning from you!

[@petra.andersen]

I love pot 7. From your selection, my favorite would be the little kyusu, I usually drink tea on my own or with my daughter so smaller pots are more our style. If the dark pot with green pattern was only 150ml, I would love that one also. I love my minipots :-)

[@LadyGTarot]

I have two favorites - 2 and 8

[@saffron1996]

you should give asatsuyu a try! (especially cold to lukewarm brew) i feel youd probably like it...

[@Salaaran]

Kyusu 1 and 2 I would say, though I would have to say that I also like the shape of the more expensive and elaborate ones

[@666aron]

I'm usually a sucker for the simplest design in tea ware, so my logical choice would be the dark kyusu #2, unless I get really mesmerized, then I would pick #8. Just like how I ended up with a red porcelain tea set with golden dragon, instead a simple coffee brown one :)).

[@yogirise2669]

EXCELLENCE! TY! ♥ ARIGATO GOZI MASU! NIHON ♥ I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE 1, 2 & 5. I LOVE TINY TEA WEAR TOO!

[@kingo55]

#7 hands down.

[@rebirthofthecool5619]

Is there a variation of the effect of the Japanese clays on the tea, black vs red for example or different origin of clay?

[@krutonsbproductions]

1 and 2 are my favorite. Simplicity is better :)

[@irragrams]

Recently bought a Hokuryu 180ml black kyusu similar to number 2 here. I was skeptical at first about how tiny it was but after several brews... WOW! A f*cking machine.

[@suzisaintjames]

I like all 3 of the pots you brought back to England equally. It's interesting that the most conservative of the 3 sold first. The one with the spiral is beautifully simple but too simple or modern for my taste. The one with the green leaves is a bit busy... Not simple enough for me. Just my opinion. I don't currently own one and am not an expert. This is just what I like. xoxo from Arizona USA.

[@kinghazzah]

I love Celine’s taste in teaware but for picks from your selections I like number four with sencha and number five for Gyokuro but I may even consider the actual green teapot as you say for larger service. I do own a couple of banko-yaki-houhin-teapots not from Tokoname (but banko) but they are non glazed much like most of my Chinese clay pots in color (brown) and the act like a gaiwan when using them. They work well for either sencha or gyokuro but being enough of the Tea head I have one dedicated for each! 😉 I know there’s lots of tea ware out there and you purchased some nice affordable yet beautiful and functional items for your shop! Could you please add where do the cast iron tetsubin pots fit into Japanese teaware. I do own several Kyusu and purchased some Japanese small tea cups from a tea company in Kyoto actually made for the sencha ceremony so I do not use a fairness cup when brewing Japanese style. Thanks Don for the many styles of tea and teaware you source from all over the world! I guess your next trip will have to be the Argentina for Mate and purchasing some gourds as well as the silver key straws to drink their national brew!🤗 cheers keep drinking the good stuff, quality whole leaf tea 🍵

[@jricexcad98]

Kyusu n.1 is my fav😍

[@Malthan]

In order of preference: 8 4 2 3 5 1 6 7. The 8th one is lovelly, I prefer the darker kyusus and the white petals contrast great with the clay. From the less premium ones I liked the 4th one the most. I have to visit Tokoname next time I'm in Japan, I was afraid to do it during last stay because I already had a lot of ceramics bought in other places filling my suitcase :)

[@suzisaintjames]

As far as the pots 1-10 and not knowing the cost... let's say I could pick one as a gift... I like #3. It's perfect for every day, yet not so plain like #1. I guess #3 is fancy in a modest Japanese fashion. #4 is for every day as well, but a little too modern for me, if I was going to get one, I'd want a traditional one. I was attracted to #8, but that one would be definitely for company. The decoration is almost too much. So I would choose #3. xoxo from Arizona USA.

[@XMrSurrealisticX]

Would love to see a video about what to do with broken teaware... When is damage it worth repairing and are there some DIY techniques? Is kintsuge an option for Japanese teapots?

[@kwool5151]

#5 and #8 are my favourite

[@onixxx1984]

Kelvin Woo Artisticnippon has those two, bit it is like 380 usd , if you have the buget go for it.

[@DevilleJean]

This video is amazing Don, you've really turned me into a big teaware fan. Could you also make a video about Yingge teaware in Taiwan? I was in Taipei recently and the locals spoke highly of that area for teaware (have you heard of it?)

[@Fraxxxi]

My favorite is #6 (although the color does come through a lot better on the website than in the video), followed by #2.

[@emreyildirim9472]

Ahh yes, #7 and #8 are unmistakably Shunen pots. Amazing pieces of art, very expensive though.

[@michaelkoenig868]

Very curious, who were the master potters you featured in the video?!! And what is the name of the teaware shop you visited? Please provide links. Thank you for the great video of JAPANESE tea, I’ve been waiting for this!

[@andi1701]

I would also be very interested to know, particularly the teaware shop they picked the kyusus in!! I'm traveling to Japan soon and will certainly pass by Tokoname.

[@theoldkid5725]

Michael koenig You can find these pots on the 'artisticnippon.com' homepage.Quite sure the shiboridashi is master hokujo and the last two very exquisite are made by master shunen.I have aflat hiroshi pot,which is my daily go to,and a beautiful pentangular made by master yokei. Stunning!

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I like the styling of 7 and 8, the size of two, and the characteristics of 3, 4, 5. . . I would be really OCD about lining up the detail on the lid with it's corresponding shape on the body so I don't think I'd want one of those just for that reason haha. I didn't mind the first one, but the aesthetics of it were not quite as pleasing in regards to size of spout and handle. If it was the size of number two that would have been fine. REALLY REALLY, I just want a kyuso so I can brew greens and whites and stuff in clay. I love cooking in clay, I don't mind using the Hario glass teapot but clay is really satisfying.