Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, known as a historic center of ceramic production dating back to the Heian period. Among its many traditions, Tokoname is especially famous for kyusu teapots, and the town has nurtured a unique landscape alongside its pottery culture.
What kind of teapot do you usually brew your tea with? Some people may have a favorite tea utensil, while others might simply use the kyusu they happen to have at home. In fact, the teapot you use can make a remarkable difference in the flavour of your tea.
Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Takasuke Pottery, where our Prelude Tea Company original kyusu is being made. Stepping into the workshop, we found each process divided into rooms, creating a sense of walking through different “chapters” of a production story.
In the molding process, we learned that carefully judging the condition of the clay is essential. Every morning, the artisans adjust the moisture and mixture of the clay according to the season, temperature, and humidity of the day.
Takasuke’s trademark innovation, the ceramic strainer called sasame, is especially unique. While typical ceramic strainers feel smooth to the touch, the sasame has a slightly rough texture that helps draw out the umami of the tea. Each one is made by hand with a special machine, and watching the artisans drill the holes perfectly straight was truly impressive.
In the firing process, we learned another distinctive feature of Tokoname teapots: the body and lid are fired together, unlike in many other regions where they are fired separately. Special care is taken so the two pieces do not fuse together. What amazed us even more was the precision of their work—while most workshops see about 20% of teapots fail inspection, here only around 2 out of every 100 are considered unsuitable for shipping. The level of craftsmanship left us speechless.
To ensure the lid fits seamlessly, three separate hand-adjusted steps are carried out. The result is a perfect, wobble-free fit that reflects incredible dedication to detail.
Throughout the visit, it became clear that every step was guided by a deep concern for the user’s comfort and ease of use. Observing this process firsthand taught us that what might seem like minor details actually determine how comfortably a teapot can be held and how smoothly it pours. Tea is not just about the leaves—it is also the kyusu that brings out the full depth of flavor. Experiencing the process in person made this truth all the more vivid.
Watching the artisans at work, I felt that the way we enjoy tea can be greatly expanded through their craftsmanship. As we carefully select premium tea leaves, we also want people to enjoy them with equally refined teapots. By caring for a well-crafted kyusu, you can truly discover the hidden charm of the tea itself. That is why we are now creating the Prelude Tea Company original kyusu. Please look forward to its completion—it will embody this spirit of craftsmanship.
Tokoname is also known as the birthplace of maneki-neko (beckoning cats). At Baigetsu Tomoto Ningyoen, we encountered charming maneki-neko figures, each crafted with great care by artisans. Now in its fifth generation, the workshop radiates warmth and playfulness. Just like the teapots, these figures carry a spirit of enriching everyday life through heartfelt craftsmanship. We found ourselves completely captivated.
