Japanese Tokoname Cooling Bowl Yuzamashi for Green Tea, Matcha Bowl with Spout & Handle 10.1 Fluid Ounces, Ash Glazed, from Japan m3708

Simple, appealing shapes. Visually arresting kiln effects. Lovely, graceful proportions. Unglazed surfaces. Thin-walled sides. Controlled, drip-free pouring. Comfortable handles. These details of craftsmanship are the hallmark of Tokoname pottery. Since the Edo Period ( 1603-1867) Tokoname has been a famous pottery center for high-quality, artistic pottery. Today, contemporary master craftsmen continually stretch their skills in new directions as they carry on traditional practices while embracing new ideas and designs. Established and award-winning potters such as those whose work we represent often mix their own unique clays by combining several types of clay from other kiln areas such as Seto, Shigaraki and Iga to achieve the aesthetic effects and textures that they want. This creates very distinguish teapots that may not be made again and a shopping feast for Tokoname collectors. So, it is possible today to find these teapots in a range of clays from fine-grained, iron-rich, classic red or black clays; to slightly grainy stoneware type clays that can be grey, tan or white in color. But no matter what clay is used Tokoname teapots are instantly recognizable as Tokoname from their thin vessel walls; exquisite, fine detail work on lids, spouts and handles; decorative techniques and perfect balance. Tokoname teapots are collected as works of art or treasured as superb tea steeping vessels by enthusiasts around the world.

• Yuzamashi is one of the tea utensils used in the Sencha tea ceremony, and is used to cool the water used to make tea. It has a handle and a spout, so it can also be used as a tea bowl for making matcha.