Tokoname: Difference between revisions

'''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.

== Tokoname Tea Ware ==

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 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.

[[de:Tokoname]]