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[[File:Yuzamashi.jpg|thumb|Yuzamashi made of Tokoname clay]]

'''Tokoname''' (常滑市, Tokoname-shi) is a city in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its long history of pottery and ceramics. Among the many products for which Tokoname is famous, its tea ware stands out due to its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage. Tokoname is one of the "Six Ancient Kilns" of Japan, alongside Seto, Shigaraki, Echizen, Tamba, and Bizen. The city’s ceramics, particularly the Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼), have been a key part of [[Tea culture|Japanese tea culture]] for centuries.

History of Tokoname Pottery Tokoname's pottery tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). Early Tokoname wares were primarily storage vessels and daily-use items. By the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Tokoname became a major center for large-scale ceramic production, producing unglazed earthenware and massive jars for storage.

Over time, the artisans of Tokoname adapted their skills to create more refined products, particularly tea ware. As the tea culture blossomed in Japan during the Muromachi and Edo periods, Tokoname emerged as a leading producer of tea pots ([[kyusu]]), used especially for brewing [[green tea]]. These tea wares gained national and international recognition for their high quality and aesthetic appeal.

== Tokoname Tea Ware ==
[[File:Shiboridashi.jpg|thumb|Shiboridashi made of Tokoname clay]]

The most famous products from Tokoname are its kyusu, traditional Japanese side-handled tea pots, known for their simplicity, functionality, and refined beauty. These teapots are often unglazed, allowing the natural texture and color of the clay to be fully appreciated. Over centuries, the production of Tokoname tea ware has been shaped by techniques passed down through generations, as well as an intimate relationship with the local resources—particularly the distinctive clay found in the region.

The tea pots are highly regarded for their ability to enhance the flavor of brewed tea. This is due to both the craftsmanship of the teapots and the unique properties of Tokoname clay.

== The Clay of Tokoname ==

The clay used in Tokoname ware, called Shudei (朱泥), is one of the most distinctive aspects of its ceramics. This red clay, rich in iron oxide, has a fine grain and is especially favored for making tea pots. The iron content gives the clay its signature reddish-brown hue when fired, which is a hallmark of Tokoname tea ware.

Tokoname's clay is ideal for tea ware because it is porous and has excellent heat retention properties. Additionally, the clay is said to have a subtle purifying effect on the water, enhancing the flavor and aroma of green tea. This natural material, combined with traditional handcrafting methods, creates tea pots that are both beautiful and functional.

== The Kilns of Tokoname ==
Tokoname’s kilns have played a central role in its pottery tradition for over a thousand years. The anagama (single-chambered tunnel kiln) and noborigama (climbing kiln) have been the primary types of kilns used historically. These kilns use wood as a fuel source, and the resulting ash and high temperatures create unique surface effects on the pottery.

In Tokoname’s early history, large-scale production kilns lined the hillsides of the region. Remnants of these ancient kilns can still be seen in the area today, and modern potters in Tokoname continue to utilize traditional kiln-firing techniques alongside newer methods.

== Techniques and Artisanship ==
Tokoname tea ware is renowned for its craftsmanship. Traditional techniques, such as wheel-throwing, hand-building, and sculpting, are still practiced by skilled artisans. The famous Tokoname kyusu tea pots are made using a technique known as nerikomi, where different layers of colored clays are laminated together to create unique patterns and textures.

The surface of Tokoname tea pots is often left unglazed to showcase the natural texture of the clay, though some are polished to a fine sheen. Some artisans also use decorative carving or add ornamental details to the teapots.

== Tokoname Today Today ==
Tokoname continues to be a thriving center of ceramic production, with both traditional and contemporary styles being produced. The city is home to numerous pottery workshops and galleries, where visitors can observe the creation of pottery or purchase items directly from local artisans. The legacy of Tokoname’s tea ware and kilns is preserved through ongoing craft traditions, exhibitions, and festivals that celebrate this heritage.

In recent years, Tokoname tea ware has gained international popularity, with collectors and tea enthusiasts around the world appreciating the unique qualities of these ceramics. Despite modernization, the traditional skills and deep connection to the region’s clay continue to define Tokoname’s identity in the world of pottery.

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[[category:tea ware]]