At Tea Topia, we're thrilled to announce the arrival of an exceptional collection of Japanese ceramics from the renowned Tokoname region. Tokoname has been celebrated for its distinctive pottery tradition dating back over 1,000 years and is considered one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.
We've carefully selected pieces from several master potters, each bringing their unique style and techniques to create teaware of unparalleled quality and beauty. Let's meet the talented artisans behind these extraordinary works:
Gyokko (Umehara Takahitro)
Gyokko, born in 1946, represents the second generation of a prestigious pottery lineage. His connection to Tokoname's rich tradition runs deep – the first Gyokko was the younger brother of the first Hokuryu, establishing a family heritage of excellence in ceramic arts.
What makes Gyokko's work special is the collaborative spirit of their workshop, where the second and third generations work side by side. The second generation's three brothers craft their teapots together, creating pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities. Their workshop produces a diverse range of products using various manufacturing methods, ensuring each piece is both functional and beautiful.
Originally "Gyokko" was the artist's personal name, but it has since expanded to represent their entire pottery factory – a testament to their growing reputation and influence in the ceramics world.
Sekiryu
Born in 1967, Sekiryu is a second-generation potter with a distinctive artistic vision. As the son of the first Sekiryu (who was the second son of the first Hokuryu), he carries forward a proud family tradition while forging his own path.
While the first Sekiryu was known for his technical skill and efficient craftsmanship, the second generation has developed a more experimental approach. Unlike his father, the current Sekiryu creates unique pieces that showcase his different artistic sensibility. He has moved away from the potter's wheel entirely, preferring techniques that allow him greater creative freedom and expression.
Yutaka
Yutaka, born in 1972, is the son of renowned potter Seihō. After mastering the fundamentals of pottery in Kyoto, he returned to Tokoname to study his father's kyusu (teapot) techniques while developing his own distinctive style.
What sets Yutaka apart is his commitment to ceramic art as a healing practice. As chairman of the Japan Ceramic Art Therapist Association, he uses pottery as a means to improve mental wellness and physical function. His teaware thus carries not only aesthetic beauty but also a deeper philosophical purpose – creating pieces that nurture both body and spirit.
Junzo Maekawa
Born in 1976, Junzo Maekawa represents the fourth generation of the esteemed Maekawa Ceramics Factory. While his father specialized in larger pieces such as flowerpots, Junzo has adapted to contemporary preferences by focusing on smaller items like tableware and kyusu teapots.
His work beautifully demonstrates how traditional craft can evolve to meet modern needs without sacrificing quality or artistic integrity. Junzo's pieces reflect both his family's long-standing expertise and his own innovative vision for the future of Tokoname ceramics.
Tokuta Fujita
Unlike most of our featured artisans who are natives of Tokoname City, Tokuta Fujita (born in 1975) hails from Fukuoka Prefecture. After studying at the prestigious Tokoname City Ceramic Research Institute, he has distinguished himself through numerous awards at both ceramics exhibitions and contemporary art shows.
Recognized as a rising star in the Japanese ceramics world, Fujita's work often pushes traditional boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for Tokoname techniques. His pieces display a fresh perspective that has earned him recognition beyond traditional pottery circles.
Kenji Toen
Kenji Toen, now under the stewardship of Takumi Horita who succeeded the first Kenji, has an interesting history. Initially producing tile sinks, the studio pivoted to making teapots at a client's suggestion – a fortuitous change that established their reputation for fine tea utensils.
Today, Kenji Toen creates not only teapots and teacups but also a variety of tableware for everyday use. What makes their work special is their commitment to handcrafting each piece with an emphasis on both beauty and functionality.
A signature technique employed in their workshop is "nerikomi," which involves layering clays of different colors to create unique, wood grain-like patterns. This labor-intensive method ensures that no two pieces are identical – each item is truly one of a kind.
Tomohiro Sawada
Born in 1975, Tomohiro Sawada takes inspiration from ancient traditions, specifically the "Ko-Tokoname ware" style from 1,000 years ago. His work is distinguished by a unique clay blend of his own creation and his revival of historical firing methods.
Sawada's pieces offer a fascinating bridge between past and present, allowing tea enthusiasts to connect with pottery traditions that stretch back a millennium while enjoying the refinements of modern craftsmanship.
Koji Iwase
With a career spanning over five decades, Koji Iwase (born in 1946) began crafting Tokoname ware in 1962. His journey included training in Kyoto's Kiyomizu ware tradition in 1970 before establishing his own studio in 1980.
Iwase's teapots are renowned for their lightness and ease of use – practical considerations that demonstrate his deep understanding of what makes a truly exceptional tea brewing vessel. His long experience and dedication to his craft are evident in every piece he creates.
Takasuke Toen
Takasuke Toen holds a special place in Tokoname's history as a pioneer of innovation. Founded shortly after World War II as a wheel-thrown pottery manufacturer, the studio made history around 1964 when they developed the first cast teapot methods for Tokoname ware, revolutionizing production techniques.
Under the second generation's leadership (Kita Hiroshi), the workshop shifted focus to creating simpler teapots suited to modern lifestyles, moving away from ornately carved and decorated traditional styles. This approach highlighted the natural beauty of the clay itself, further elevating Tokoname teapots in the eyes of collectors worldwide.
Perhaps most significantly, around 1975, Takasuke Toen developed the ceramic tea strainer known as "sasame" (細) – a fine-meshed strainer specifically designed to handle the delicate leaves of deep-steamed tea. This innovation was so important that the term "sasame" can only be used by Takasuke Toen, while other artists must use the term "mesh" (メッシュ) for their strainers.
Chizuko Uchiyama
Chizuko Uchiyama, born in 1974, represents an important voice in the traditionally male-dominated Tokoname ceramics world. After studying under Kazufusa Kato of Shukei Pottery Studio since 2004, she established her independence in 2006.
As one of the few female artists in Tokoname's pottery tradition, Uchiyama brings a fresh perspective to the craft. Her work demonstrates that Tokoname's pottery legacy continues to evolve and expand, embracing diverse voices and visions.
Experience These Masterpieces for Yourself
Each of these master potters brings their unique perspective, techniques, and family traditions to create teaware of exceptional quality. Whether you're drawn to the collaborative spirit of Gyokko, the healing philosophy of Yutaka, the innovative history of Takasuke Toen, or the groundbreaking presence of Chizuko Uchiyama, our collection offers something special for every tea enthusiast.
Visit www.teatopia.co.uk to browse our complete selection of Tokoname ceramics and find the perfect piece to enhance your tea experience.
Special Offer: Enjoy 10% off any Tokoname ceramic piece with discount code: Ceramics10
Tea is more than a beverage – it's a ritual, a moment of reflection, and with these exceptional ceramics, an opportunity to connect with centuries of Japanese craftsmanship. We look forward to helping you discover your perfect teaware companion.