{"title":"Teaware : Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur range of Japanese teaware will set your tea time apart. Our Japanese Teaware has been hand selected by Comins Tea on our travels around Japan visiting wonderful craftspeople \u0026amp; studios.  We hope you enjoy browsing the pieces and their stories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hand made nature of our teaware creates unique variations between the items which makes each one special. We believe that this provides character and adds to the whole tea experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"matcha-whisk","title":"Japanese Matcha Whisk [100 Prong]","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Matcha Whisk or Chasen is used to whisk Matcha into its characteristic frothy form. It is skilfully handmade from one piece of natural bamboo and has one hundred bristles or ‘tines’.   The large number of bristles creates a bowl of matcha that is especially smooth and frothy. Care for your whisk by wetting it before use. If it is too dry it can be brittle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis whisk is made in China for our Japanese partners \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"853\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCr7A-YqSec\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22406839239,"sku":"MW1","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_163223d4-cf20-47cd-95a7-b3c8341732a0.jpg?v=1616252711"},{"product_id":"matcha-scoop","title":"Matcha Scoop","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis traditional natural bamboo measuring spoon is ideal for making sure you use the right amount of Matcha Tea each time. Known in Japan as a Chashaku it holds around 1.5g of tea, or about half a teaspoon. For Usucha (thin tea) you should use two Chashaku of Matcha, whilst for Koicha (thick tea) use three or four.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"853\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCr7A-YqSec\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22406849415,"sku":"MS1","price":7.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_afd390eb-24a2-4f99-ae6a-7d7f8f52ea06.jpg?v=1632397285"},{"product_id":"matcha-sifter","title":"Matcha Sifter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur Matcha Sifter is a must for those who drink Matcha regularly. Unsifted Matcha can form into lumps when water is added which when drunk spoil the experience. This Japanese made sifter is the perfect size to sift Matcha for tea drinking or for use in food. Simply push the matcha into the canister through the fine mesh with the included metal spatula. Remove the mesh and pour the Matcha out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"853\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCr7A-YqSec\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22406864711,"sku":"MSI1","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_7d49d402-20e2-4bf3-ace4-74fafc0f479b.heic?v=1669817566"},{"product_id":"tea-scoop-japan","title":"Japanese Cherry Wood Tea Scoop [Japan] [7.8cm x 3cm]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA delicate tea scoop perfect for Japanese Green tea but also suitable for other types.  Can be kept in the tea packet or tea tin.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions 7.8cm x 3cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31010690334857,"sku":"cherry","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_dff93737-6db2-4d13-ac62-8ca4ceebb941.jpg?v=1612712373"},{"product_id":"tea-scoop-japan-6cm-x-4cm","title":"Tea Scoop [Japan] [6cm x 4cm]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sturdy wooden tea scoop perfect for all types of tea  Can be kept in the tea packet or tea tin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions 6cm x 4cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31010694889609,"sku":"KY2","price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_b23aace5-3a2a-4754-a00b-54073340fe51.jpg?v=1612712314"},{"product_id":"japanese-cotton-towel","title":"Japanese Cotton ‘Towel’ ‘Black \u0026 White’","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe first came across these beautiful cotton ‘towels’ (that we may refer more to as cloths) when travelling in Japan and are delighted to bring you a small selection to accompany your Japanese teaware and tea time \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37114852147375,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_ad5d8ed3-b78c-4bb8-bc81-7a3e30fb1056.jpg?v=1603035535"},{"product_id":"japanese-cotton-cloth-purple","title":"Japanese Cotton Cloth ‘Purple’","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe first came across these beautiful cotton cloths when travelling in Japan and are delighted to bring you a small selection to accompany your Japanese teaware and tea time \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37114856997039,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/products\/image_8fc3a8cb-de39-4eaa-8119-c7a9893ead17.jpg?v=1603036177"},{"product_id":"black-flower-japanese-water-cooler-yuzamashi","title":"240ml Kokudei Tokoname flower Yuzamashi  (湯冷まし] \/ Water cooler [GYOKKO KILN]","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are often asked 'how do we get the right water temperature for the perfect bowl of Japanese Tea?'.  You can of course use a temperature controlled kettle but traditionally, in Japan, the Yuzamashi (湯冷まし] or Water Cooler is used.  When brewing Sencha, Sencha Karigane, Sencha Fukamushi or Genmaicha simply pour boiling water into the Yuzamashi or Water Cooler and then pour water into your Kyusu teapot.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunction of Yuzamashi : \u003c\/strong\u003eBoiling water poured into a yuzamashi cools to approximately 90°C, and then to approximately 80°C when poured into a kyusu.  So by using this simple and beautiful pot in this way you will get the water to the ideal temperature of 176F (80C).  Brew for the appropriate time and then simply enjoy your tea!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Shudei\/\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eKokudei\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eis formed by reduction\u003cem\u003e[oxygen deprived]\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003efiring shudei clay.  We know that Tokoname shudei clay is iron rich.  In an\u003cspan\u003e oxygen-starved firing carbon monoxide steals oxygen from the iron molecules causing a shift from \u003c\/span\u003ered\/brown iron oxide to black iron oxide giving the clay a darker - black colour.  Our partners often describe how the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eShudei clay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ehas been smoked to give it a black finish. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThis refers to the fact that the kiln fuel\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e[such as straw, leaves, or wood)\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eburns incompletely in a low oxygen environment, generating thick soot and smoke which deposit carbon into the unglazed pores of the clay and cause further darkening\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity\u003c\/strong\u003e : 240ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eABOUT THE GYOKKO KILN\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln :\u003c\/strong\u003e GYOKKO Kiln ( 玉光 窯 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master :\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirotaka UMEHARA ( 梅原 廣隆 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBorn year and city :\u003c\/strong\u003e Born in 1946 in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation :\u003c\/strong\u003e After graduating from Tokoname High School Ceramics Department, he trained under his father, the predecessor Gyokko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature style of tea pots :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis highly respected kiln is manned by the\u003c\/span\u003e master potters of the Umehara family.  They make handmade pieces \u0026amp; by dividing work between multiple craftspeople they make consistent, beautiful work on a larger scale. On our last visit we were very honored to be invited by \u003cb\u003eHirotaka Umehara \u003c\/b\u003eto take a seat \u0026amp; watch him make a kyusu step by step. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe makes his pots using the “\u003ci\u003eTamabiki\u003c\/i\u003e” method where each piece is individually weighed and matched for weight before being thrown on the wheel. Hirotaka Umehara kindly demonstrates each step in making the beautiful kyusu this kiln is famous for. Each piece is carefully stamped to distinguish from imitations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHirotaka UMEHARA has independently developed new pottery clays such as white clay and green clay, as well as colorful liquid clays for painting teapots. He has several styles of teapots that are unique to him, such as flat teapots and large teapots and creates pottery in pursuit of what modern consumers truly want, which is reflected in his works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the showroom we see the prize certificate\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e‘awarded to those who have served in the public service of the national or local government or in public affairs for many years and have made outstanding achievements’\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotable Awards \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* The title holder of the Master of Traditional Crafts\u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Association Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Choza Prize at the Choza Prize Ceramics Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Chairman's Award : Ceramics Assn at the Ceramics Ind Promotion Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Received the Order of the Sacred Treasure Single Light\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eALL ABOUT TOKONAME\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA short history :\u003c\/b\u003e The Tokoname region is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe events that shaped Tokoname teaware  :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokoname Today : \u003c\/b\u003eToday Tokoname is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture - something reflected in our selection of pieces.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is still best known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei [\u003c\/span\u003e朱泥 - vermilion clay].  \u003cspan\u003eIt should be noted that \u003c\/span\u003ehonshudei (本朱泥 - real\/true shudei) the original clay - is now rare [as we have seen on our trips] - many potters use modern formulations that approximate its colour and effect on tea profile.  As well as shudei there are many other types of clay in use in modern day Tokoname including \u003ci\u003eKoudei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e[yellow],  \u003ci\u003eRyokudei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e[green] and \u003ci\u003eKokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [black]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy use a Tokoname Teapot?\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe vibrant colour of shudei comes from its rich iron content which is said to react chemically with the tannins in green tea resulting in a mellow cup. Tokoname ware is also unglazed \u0026amp; naturally porous - a characteristic which is said to enable absorption of impurities from water - making for a smoother cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyles of Tokoname Teapot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThere are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42167000137903,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/F9ECF1D3-AC31-4479-BD31-47FB9D62661F.jpg?v=1783600366"},{"product_id":"red-tokoname-flower-japanese-water-cooler-yuzamashi","title":"320ml shudei (朱泥) Tokoname Flower Yuzamashi (湯冷まし] \/ Water Cooler[Gyokko Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are often asked 'how do we get the right water temperature for the perfect bowl of Japanese Tea?'.  You can of course use a temperature controlled kettle but traditionally, in Japan, the Yuzamashi (湯冷まし] or Water Cooler is used.  When brewing Sencha, Sencha Karigane, Sencha Fukamushi or Genmaicha simply pour boiling water into the Yuzamashi or Water Cooler and then pour water into your Kyusu teapot.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunction of Yuzamashi : Boiling water poured into a yuzamashi cools to approximately 90°C, and then to approximately 80°C when poured into a kyusu.  So by using this simple and beautiful pot in this way you will get the water to the ideal temperature of 176F (80C).  Brew for the appropriate time and then simply enjoy your tea!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 320ml but with markers for 100ml \u0026amp; 200ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eABOUT THE GYOKKO KILN\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln :\u003c\/strong\u003e GYOKKO Kiln ( 玉光 窯 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master :\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirotaka UMEHARA ( 梅原 廣隆 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBorn year and city :\u003c\/strong\u003e Born in 1946 in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation :\u003c\/strong\u003e After graduating from Tokoname High School Ceramics Department, he trained under his father, the predecessor Gyokko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature style of tea pots :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis highly respected kiln is manned by the\u003c\/span\u003e master potters of the Umehara family.  They make handmade pieces \u0026amp; by dividing work between multiple craftspeople they make consistent, beautiful work on a larger scale. On our last visit we were very honored to be invited by \u003cb\u003eHirotaka Umehara \u003c\/b\u003eto take a seat \u0026amp; watch him make a kyusu step by step. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe makes his pots using the “\u003ci\u003eTamabiki\u003c\/i\u003e” method where each piece is individually weighed and matched for weight before being thrown on the wheel. Hirotaka Umehara kindly demonstrates each step in making the beautiful kyusu this kiln is famous for. Each piece is carefully stamped to distinguish from imitations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHirotaka UMEHARA has independently developed new pottery clays such as white clay and green clay, as well as colorful liquid clays for painting teapots. He has several styles of teapots that are unique to him, such as flat teapots and large teapots and creates pottery in pursuit of what modern consumers truly want, which is reflected in his works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the showroom we see the prize certificate\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e‘awarded to those who have served in the public service of the national or local government or in public affairs for many years and have made outstanding achievements’\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotable Awards \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* The title holder of the Master of Traditional Crafts\u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Association Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Choza Prize at the Choza Prize Ceramics Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Chairman's Award : Ceramics Assn at the Ceramics Ind Promotion Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Received the Order of the Sacred Treasure Single Light\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eALL ABOUT TOKONAME\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA short history :\u003c\/b\u003e The Tokoname region is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe events that shaped Tokoname teaware  :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokoname Today : \u003c\/b\u003eToday Tokoname is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture - something reflected in our selection of pieces.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is still best known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei [\u003c\/span\u003e朱泥 - vermilion clay].  \u003cspan\u003eIt should be noted that \u003c\/span\u003ehonshudei (本朱泥 - real\/true shudei) the original clay - is now rare [as we have seen on our trips] - many potters use modern formulations that approximate its colour and effect on tea profile.  As well as shudei there are many other types of clay in use in modern day Tokoname including \u003ci\u003eKoudei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e[yellow],  \u003ci\u003eRyokudei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e[green] and \u003ci\u003eKokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [black]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy use a Tokoname Teapot?\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe vibrant colour of shudei comes from its rich iron content which is said to react chemically with the tannins in green tea resulting in a mellow cup. Tokoname ware is also unglazed \u0026amp; naturally porous - a characteristic which is said to enable absorption of impurities from water - making for a smoother cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyles of Tokoname Teapot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThere are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923738267823,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/5FC4D894-FBA5-4650-B6BA-675EAC89A4DD.jpg?v=1783598879"},{"product_id":"shunkohdo-sandalwood-incense","title":"Shunkohdo Sarasoju Sandalwood Incense","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pure \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esandalwood incense\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is made from the best pure ‘old mountain’ sandalwood from Mysore India and produced by Shunkohdo ; lightly sweet \u0026amp; calming this is the perfect incense to accompany your tea time.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":r9\" class=\"Am aO9 Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY\" aria-label=\"Message Body\" role=\"textbox\" aria-multiline=\"true\" spellcheck=\"false\" aria-owns=\":25c\" aria-controls=\":25c\" aria-expanded=\"false\" hidefocus=\"true\" g_editable=\"true\" contenteditable=\"true\" tabindex=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShunkohdo :\u003c\/strong\u003e Located in Nagoya, Japan's third largest urban area.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e September, 1921 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEijiro Ogawa (founder) established the company under the trade name “Shunkodo” in Minamikuwana-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya, mainly selling Chinese herbal medicine \u0026amp; incenses. They now specialize in high quality fragrant woods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eJapanese incense has a long history and also serves as a clock to measure time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStick Length :\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13.5 cm : a short length of traditional Japanese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBurning time\u003c\/strong\u003e of this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is about 30 minutes, and it is a low-smoke type of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of sticks : \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 Sticks \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 virtues of incence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt has the effect fo cleansing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHelps to wake up from sleep. Has a restful sleep effect.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt purifies the mind and body.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923783061679,"sku":null,"price":18.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FullSizeRender_58ab7991-0f8a-40b2-80be-c328ad445ed8.jpg?v=1700576330"},{"product_id":"shunkohdo-kotone-agarwood-incense","title":"Shunkohdo Kotone Agarwood  Incense","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pure agarwood\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e incense\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e from \u003cspan\u003eShunkohdo gIves\u003c\/span\u003e a beautifully clean \u0026amp; meditative fragrance.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":r9\" class=\"Am aO9 Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY\" aria-label=\"Message Body\" role=\"textbox\" aria-multiline=\"true\" spellcheck=\"false\" aria-owns=\":25c\" aria-controls=\":25c\" aria-expanded=\"false\" hidefocus=\"true\" g_editable=\"true\" contenteditable=\"true\" tabindex=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShunkohdo :\u003c\/strong\u003e Located in Nagoya, Japan's third largest urban area.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn September, 1921 Eijiro Ogawa (founder) established the company under the trade name “Shunkodo” in Minamikuwana-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya, mainly selling Chinese herbal medicine \u0026amp; incenses. They now specialize in high quality fragrant woods.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eJapanese incense has a long history and also serves as a clock to measure time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStick Length :\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13.5 cm : a short length of traditional Japanese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBurning time\u003c\/strong\u003e of this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is about 30 minutes, and it is a low-smoke type of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of sticks : \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 Sticks \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 virtues of incence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt has the effect fo cleansing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHelps to wake up from sleep. Has a restful sleep effect.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt purifies the mind and body.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923796299951,"sku":null,"price":18.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FullSizeRender_c73aee62-0266-42ae-a234-9c42c60ec333.heic?v=1700577041"},{"product_id":"shunkohdo-matcha-incense","title":"Shunkohdo Matcha Incense","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Matcha\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e incense\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e from \u003cspan\u003eShunkohdo offers the familiar relaxing fragrance of Matcha. A light fragrance incense perfect to create a relaxing atmosphere. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":r9\" class=\"Am aO9 Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY\" aria-label=\"Message Body\" role=\"textbox\" aria-multiline=\"true\" spellcheck=\"false\" aria-owns=\":25c\" aria-controls=\":25c\" aria-expanded=\"false\" hidefocus=\"true\" g_editable=\"true\" contenteditable=\"true\" tabindex=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShunkohdo :\u003c\/strong\u003e Located in Nagoya, Japan's third largest urban area.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e September, 1921 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEijiro Ogawa (founder) established the company under the trade name “Shunkodo” in Minamikuwana-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya, mainly selling Chinese herbal medicine \u0026amp; incenses. They now specialize in high quality fragrant woods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\" face=\"arial, sans-serif\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eJapanese incense has a long history and also serves as a clock to measure time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan face=\"arial, sans-serif\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\" face=\"arial, sans-serif\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStick Length : \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13.5 cm : a short length of traditional Japanese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBurning time\u003c\/strong\u003e of this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is about 30 minutes, and it is a low-smoke type of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eincense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\" face=\"arial, sans-serif\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of sticks : \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 Sticks \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\" face=\"arial, sans-serif\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 virtues of incence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt has the effect fo cleansing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHelps to wake up from sleep. Has a restful sleep effect.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt purifies the mind and body.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923798528175,"sku":null,"price":18.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FullSizeRender_c73aee62-0266-42ae-a234-9c42c60ec333.jpg?v=1700577194"},{"product_id":"cat-paw-200ml-kyusu-ceramic-strainer","title":"200ml Maru-gata (丸形) Cat \u0026 paw Ikomi Kokudei kyusu with sesame strainer [Shōhō Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis beautiful hand crafted Maru-gata (丸形) IKomi Kokudei Tokoname-yaki k\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eyusu \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esesame filter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is from the highly respected Shōhō kiln.  The delicate, detailed brushwork \u0026amp; fine details are applied by Master Koie’s wife \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Shudei\/\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eKokudei\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eis formed by reduction\u003cem\u003e[oxygen deprived] \u003c\/em\u003efiring shudei clay.  We know that Tokoname shudei clay is iron rich.  In an\u003cspan\u003e oxygen-starved firing carbon monoxide steals oxygen from the iron molecules causing a shift from \u003c\/span\u003ered\/brown iron oxide to black iron oxide giving the clay a darker - black colour.  Our partners often describe how the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eShudei clay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ehas been smoked to give it a black finish. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThis refers to the fact that the kiln fuel\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e[such as straw, leaves, or wood)\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eburns incompletely in a low oxygen environment, generating thick soot and smoke which deposit carbon into the unglazed pores of the clay and cause further darkening\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIkomi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [IKOMI鋳込み] method is pressure or slip casting where Liquid clay (slip) is poured \u0026amp; shaped in a plaster mould.  Keikichi KOIE originally made pottery on a potter's wheel, but due to an injury to his arm, he switched to slurry casting\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaru-gata (丸形)\u003c\/strong\u003e refers to the round-bodied shape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSasame filters\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eare a handcrafted ceramic mesh which are carefully pressed directly into the spout by hand.  They have many tiny holes so are less likely to clog if brewing finer leaf teas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 200ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the SYOUHOU Kiln\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e: \u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShōhō \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\/ SYOUHOU Kiln ( 昭萠 窯 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e: Keikichi KOIE ( 鯉江 桂吉 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear \u0026amp; City of Birth :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBorn in 1945 in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Awards (excerpt)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Accepted for Exhibition of Japanese Sencha Kogei\u003cbr\u003e* Accepted for Japan Crafts Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Accepted for Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Winner of Prefectural Governort Prize at Hokkaido Ceramics Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Cultural Promotion commendation from the City of Tokoname \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature style of tea pots :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eKeikichi KOIE originally made pottery on a potter's wheel, but due to an injury to his arm, he switched to slurry casting. The teapots he makes combine the delicacy of potter's wheel and the structural properties of slurry casting. His pottery style emphasizes modernity rather than tradition, and incorporates many new, especially decorative techniques that are traditionally not found in Tokoname pottery production area.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoho Kiln is also widely known for mastering \u003cem data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none solid rgb(10, 10, 10); border-bottom: 0px none rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" class=\"eujQNb\"\u003ekokudei\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X0oYpLhAyng\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTales of the Tea Trade : Tokoname\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRob :\u003c\/em\u003e Extract from our our book \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Tales-Tea-Trade-sourcing-favourite\/dp\/1911595229\"\u003eTales of the tea trade\u003c\/a\u003e : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Tokoname region as it is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing. However, Tokoname today is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923888410799,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/E92A6017-5D62-4773-B9AA-CA7683209622.jpg?v=1780835402"},{"product_id":"japanese-cherry-wood-caddy","title":"Small Japanese Cherry Wood Caddy","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful small tea Caddy made from Cherry Wood \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photo here shows Yatsuyanagi [with his permission] in Aomori prefecture - one of the artisans who makes these wonderful caddies.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923893162159,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FullSizeRender_55222f8e-72a3-4e39-8c66-148da4e1eaea.heic?v=1700584950"},{"product_id":"large-japanese-cherry-wood-caddy","title":"100g Japanese Cherry Wood Caddy (Yatsuyanagi) 6.3 cm x 10cm height","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful tea Caddy made from Cherry Wood \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photo here shows Yatsuyanagi [with his permission] in Aomori prefecture - one of the artisans who makes these wonderful caddies.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42923895783599,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FullSizeRender_0b3979bd-2a2f-478c-af65-2ab3dec5ff25.heic?v=1700585189"},{"product_id":"red-tea-tray","title":"Red Tea Tray","description":"Beautiful Japanese tea tray as used at our Shatwell Farm Tea House \n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv tabindex=\"1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\":25c\" aria-owns=\":25c\" spellcheck=\"false\" aria-multiline=\"true\" role=\"textbox\" aria-label=\"Message Body\" class=\"Am aO9 Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY\" id=\":r9\" contenteditable=\"true\" g_editable=\"true\" hidefocus=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42925261324463,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/E5440D4D-DD9B-4931-87B0-7A5C79B48E60.heic?v=1700643165"},{"product_id":"hand-sifter-for-matcha","title":"Hand Sifter for Matcha \/ Tea Strainer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a simpler version of our Matcha Sifter.  Using this hand sifter you can easily prepare the perfect Matcha at home in a convenient way.  Unsifted Matcha can form into lumps when water is added which when drunk spoil the experience. This Japanese hand held sifter is the perfect to sift Matcha for tea drinking or for use in food. Simply sift directly over your Matcha bowl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42925265649839,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FullSizeRender_5b81b352-c17b-4d59-8810-1e4ff02cc814.heic?v=1700643657"},{"product_id":"tokoname-incense-holder","title":"Tokoname Incense Holder - Takawo Studio","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe sweetest incense holder from the Takawo Studio in Tokoname.  Designed to hold the lighter weight Japanese Incense such as this \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware\/products\/shunkohdo-matcha-incense\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware\/products\/shunkohdo-matcha-incense\"\u003eShunkohdo Matcha Incense\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware\/products\/shunkohdo-sandalwood-incense\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware\/products\/shunkohdo-sandalwood-incense\"\u003eShunkohdo Sandalwood Incense\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware\/products\/shunkohdo-kotone-agarwood-incense\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware\/products\/shunkohdo-kotone-agarwood-incense\"\u003eShunkohdo Agarwood Incense\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNOTE : The teapot is NOT attached to the plate - they are two separate pieces \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 itemprop=\"name\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTales of the Tea Trade : Tokoname\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Offer\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"offers\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRob :\u003c\/em\u003e Extract from our our book \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Tales-Tea-Trade-sourcing-favourite\/dp\/1911595229\"\u003eTales of the tea trade\u003c\/a\u003e : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Tokoname region as it is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing. However, Tokoname today is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43002275496111,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/7C15B15E-0710-46C7-9F45-9C345A9227A0.heic?v=1702219572"},{"product_id":"170ml-white-porcelain-houbin-9-5cm-x-7cm","title":"170ml White Porcelain Minoware Houhin \u0026 cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis beautifully simple set is perfect \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor enjoying high-quality teas \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Dimensions \u003c\/strong\u003e170ml White Porcelain Houhin [9.5cm x 7cm] with white porcelain cup [80ml 9.5 x 4.7cm]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade in Gifu Prefecture this \u003cstrong\u003eHouhin\u003c\/strong\u003e is used to brew high-grade tea such as gyokuro at a low temperature. Since it is brewed at a low temperature, the main body does not heat up easily and there is no handle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe porcelain cup has a white design so that the colour of the tea can be easily seen. It is often used by Japan tea producers to compare not only the taste but also the quality of the tea, including the colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 48\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016416559279,"sku":null,"price":42.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/2243442A-4C82-46CD-9256-D28590225E86.heic?v=1702583789"},{"product_id":"80ml-white-porcelain-shiboridashi-11cm-x-7cm-with-white-porcelain-cup-180ml-9-5-x-4-7cm","title":"80ml White Glaze Shiboridashi \/ yusamashi \u0026 sipping cup set","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis beautifully simple White Glaze Shiboridashi set is perfect for enjoying high quality Japanese tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Dimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e 80ml White Glaze Shiboridashi [11cm x 7cm] with white glaze yusamashi [9.5cm x 9.5cm] \u0026amp; white glaze sipping cup [30ml 5.5cm x 3.7cm]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eShiboridashi\u003c\/strong\u003e is made in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture and is for drinking high-grade tea at low temperatures. It squeezes out to the last drop, hence the name \"shiboridashi\".  There is no need for a net to strain the tea, and the tea is served in small portions through the groove part of the spout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eyusamashi\u003c\/strong\u003e is for cooling hot water in order to brew tea at a low temperature.\u003cbr\u003eThe \"Yusamashi\" is not used for drinking tea, but for cooling the water to a temperature suitable for brewing various types of tea, so one is used for one \"Kyusu\" or \"Shiboridashi\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003esmall cup\u003c\/strong\u003e allows us to enjoy not only the taste but also the aroma of high-grade tea. It is also referred to as \"Gyokuro Wan\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 48\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016419705007,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/5BFB33EE-8A31-42D5-8E43-61D5B349D6BB.heic?v=1702576438"},{"product_id":"tea-strainer-chakoshi","title":"Deep Tea Infuser [Chakoshi] 8.5 x 8.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA really useful deep tea infuser basket for cup or pot 8.5 x 8.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016423768239,"sku":null,"price":17.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/05DD7BB7-7E3B-40DD-B2E6-B01A2628B667.heic?v=1702582576"},{"product_id":"wood-chataku-saucer","title":"Wood Chataku [saucer] 11.5cm x 11.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eChataku\u003c\/em\u003e' is a tea bowl saucer which goes with a teacup and is \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eused to serve guests tea with great respect.  It is not an everyday item and is not used for Matcha \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016424128687,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/275A924D-A34D-4293-8AF2-8CE954F8879E.heic?v=1702582561"},{"product_id":"white-matcha-chawan-bowl","title":"White Matcha Chawan [Bowl] 12.5 x 7.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur traditional Matcha Chawans are perfect for those starting out with Matcha- \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethey are the perfect shape and size for Matcha preparation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e 12.5 x 7.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCr7A-YqSec\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016426324143,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/012707D5-7B87-4198-8CF1-D56B3218EA24.heic?v=1702582412"},{"product_id":"black-matcha-chawan-bowl","title":"Black\/green Matcha Chawan [Bowl]  12.5 x 7.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur traditional Matcha Chawans are perfect for those starting out with Matcha- \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethey are the perfect shape and size for Matcha preparation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture\u003cbr\u003eIt is called \"youhen\", and various natural factors such as the humidity of the kiln, \u003cbr\u003ethe temperature, and the weather on the day of baking overlap to create a different pattern one by one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12.5 x 7.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCr7A-YqSec\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016428552367,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/1A0923E3-426D-4446-9744-91773D1AB0B8.heic?v=1702582365"},{"product_id":"red-natsume-6-5-cm-x-6-5cm","title":"Red Natsume 6.5 cm x 6.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Decorative lacquered Matcha tin (“Natsume”) 6.5 x 6.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatcha Powder is portioned and sifted into these Natsume tins w\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehen preparing Matcha for guests or during a tea ceremony \u003c\/span\u003e. The lid sits on the body loosely in order to make the handling seamless during the tea ceremony. To keep the powder fresh only the amount of Matcha used within the day should be stored in the tin - this avoids any loss of quality due to oxidation. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCr7A-YqSec\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016429076655,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/71CFBD8E-A847-434D-B302-A28A9B03F11F.heic?v=1702582435"},{"product_id":"japanese-ceramic-scoop-pink","title":"Japanese clay scoop 11.2cm [pink] [Mino Bunzan Kiln]","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeautifully delicate \u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003epottery spoons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e from the M\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eino Bunzan Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e in Gifu prefecture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eMino Bunzan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eThese pottery spoons are from Mino Bunzan Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e a pottery studio in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, that has been in business for four generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePottery\u003c\/b\u003e : Mino Bunzan Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLocation\u003c\/b\u003e : Toki City, Gifu Prefecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCurrent Master\u003c\/b\u003e : Fourth generation Koichi Ito\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOf special note : \u003c\/b\u003eThis kiln handles every aspect of clay making from beginning to the end product.  The pieces hold the warmth of earthenware, yet are thin, light and easy to use   The hand-painted patterns on Mino Bunzan pieces are carefully applied by skilled artisans before the ceramics are fired at high temperatures (over 1,200°C), resulting in rich, vivid glazes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016446509231,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/419FA433-958B-4BBE-9CC6-B941358598D5.heic?v=1702582326"},{"product_id":"japanese-ceramic-scoop-grey","title":"Japanese clay scoop [blue] 11.2cm [Mino Bunzan Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeautifully delicate \u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003epottery spoons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e from the M\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eino Bunzan Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e in Gifu prefecture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eMino Bunzan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eThese pottery spoons are from Mino Bunzan Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e a pottery studio in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, that has been in business for four generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePottery\u003c\/b\u003e : Mino Bunzan Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLocation\u003c\/b\u003e : Toki City, Gifu Prefecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCurrent Master\u003c\/b\u003e : Fourth generation Koichi Ito\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOf special note : \u003c\/b\u003eThis kiln handles every aspect of clay making from beginning to the end product.  The pieces hold the warmth of earthenware, yet are thin, light and easy to use   The hand-painted patterns on Mino Bunzan pieces are carefully applied by skilled artisans before the ceramics are fired at high temperatures (over 1,200°C), resulting in rich, vivid glazes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016446705839,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/6C23ACBC-3FBC-4209-8D9B-0ACC891FA300.heic?v=1702582305"},{"product_id":"green-manekineko","title":"Green Manekineko","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003emaneki-neko\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (招き猫, lit. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe sitting cat has one of its front paws raised as a sign of welcome. Each colour has a different meaning, but it is especially known to bring happiness, luck and good fortune to its owner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eColour : green is for good health \u0026amp; academic achievement\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.5cm high\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016446804143,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/648CF545-02FC-45EE-8F42-9C7D6CB25A1F.heic?v=1702582280"},{"product_id":"green-manekineko-1","title":"Black Manekineko","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emaneki-neko\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e (招き猫, lit. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe sitting cat has one of its front paws raised as a sign of welcome. Each colour has a different meaning, but it is especially known to bring happiness, luck and good fortune to its owner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eColour : black is for good luck \u0026amp; protection against evil\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e8.5cm high\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016447066287,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/BAA01BE2-3B03-4F5E-B67B-2664E6A567D0.heic?v=1702595244"},{"product_id":"akebono-rectangle-tray","title":"Akebono Rectangle Tray 24 x 15cm","description":"","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016447295663,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/F9116C96-3C32-4628-8D1D-003CBC0B25E3.jpg?v=1763650706"},{"product_id":"nerai-round-tray","title":"Nerai Round Tray 21cm","description":"","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43016447393967,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/91B89A1C-90DA-484B-81C9-6B7F90EC0A0A.heic?v=1702582112"},{"product_id":"240ml-black-white-with-gold-flower-medal-kyusu-with-ceramic-strainer-syouhou-kiln","title":"240ml Maru-gata (丸形) Ikomi Kokudei Black \u0026 white with gold flower kyusu with sesame filter [Shōhō Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis beautiful hand crafted Maru-gata (丸形) IKomi Kokudei with white glaze Tokoname-yaki k\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eyusu \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esesame filter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and is from the highly respected Shōhō kiln.  The delicate, detailed brushwork \u0026amp; fine details are applied by Master Koie’s wife \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Shudei\/\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eKokudei\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eis formed by reduction\u003cem\u003e[oxygen deprived] \u003c\/em\u003efiring shudei clay.  We know that Tokoname shudei clay is iron rich.  In an\u003cspan\u003e oxygen-starved firing carbon monoxide steals oxygen from the iron molecules causing a shift from \u003c\/span\u003ered\/brown iron oxide to black iron oxide giving the clay a darker - black colour.  Our partners often describe how the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eShudei clay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ehas been smoked to give it a black finish. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThis refers to the fact that the kiln fuel\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e[such as straw, leaves, or wood)\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eburns incompletely in a low oxygen environment, generating thick soot and smoke which deposit carbon into the unglazed pores of the clay and cause further darkening\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIkomi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [IKOMI鋳込み] method is pressure or slip casting where Liquid clay (slip) is poured \u0026amp; shaped in a plaster mould.  Keikichi KOIE originally made pottery on a potter's wheel, but due to an injury to his arm, he switched to slurry casting\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaru-gata (丸形)\u003c\/strong\u003e refers to the round-bodied shape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSasame filters\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eare a handcrafted ceramic mesh which are carefully pressed directly into the spout by hand.  They have many tiny holes so are less likely to clog if brewing finer leaf teas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 240ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the SYOUHOU Kiln\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e: \u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShōhō \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\/ SYOUHOU Kiln ( 昭萠 窯 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e: Keikichi KOIE ( 鯉江 桂吉 )\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear \u0026amp; City of Birth :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBorn in 1945 in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Awards (excerpt)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Accepted for Exhibition of Japanese Sencha Kogei\u003cbr\u003e* Accepted for Japan Crafts Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Accepted for Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Winner of Prefectural Governort Prize at Hokkaido Ceramics Exhibition\u003cbr\u003e* Cultural Promotion commendation from the City of Tokoname \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature style of tea pots :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eKeikichi KOIE originally made pottery on a potter's wheel, but due to an injury to his arm, he switched to slurry casting. The teapots he makes combine the delicacy of potter's wheel and the structural properties of slurry casting. His pottery style emphasizes modernity rather than tradition, and incorporates many new, especially decorative techniques that are traditionally not found in Tokoname pottery production area.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoho Kiln is also widely known for mastering \u003cem data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none solid rgb(10, 10, 10); border-bottom: 0px none rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" class=\"eujQNb\"\u003ekokudei\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X0oYpLhAyng\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTales of the Tea Trade : Tokoname\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRob :\u003c\/em\u003e Extract from our our book \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Tales-Tea-Trade-sourcing-favourite\/dp\/1911595229\"\u003eTales of the tea trade\u003c\/a\u003e : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Tokoname region as it is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing. However, Tokoname today is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774421389697,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/B4E89F19-EC46-481C-B1F0-D904DDD99CD0.jpg?v=1758532425"},{"product_id":"230ml-silver-grey-wide-base-tokoname-kyusu-tomohiro-kiln","title":"240ml Two tone metallic Silver\/Grey Hira-Kyusu with sesame filter [Tomohiro Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis stylish modern matte two tone metallic Hira Kyusu \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esesame filter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is from the highly regarded Tomohiro Kiln featuring SAbada Tomohiro’s signature metallic glaze\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHira-kyusu\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003erefers to kyusu that have a low height compared to their width - a style that allows the leaf to expand, increases the surface area of leaf in contact with water \u0026amp; helps with water temperature control as water cools more quickly.  All factors that help extract the best possible flavour from high quality Sencha \u0026amp; Gyokuro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSasame filters\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eare a handcrafted ceramic mesh which are carefully pressed directly into the spout by hand.  They have many tiny holes so are less likely to clog if brewing finer leaf teas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 240ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Tomohiro Kiln\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master\u003c\/strong\u003e : Tomohiro SAWADA (澤田朋大)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear \u0026amp; city of Birth :\u003c\/strong\u003e Born in 1975 in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation :\u003c\/strong\u003e Graduated from Tokoname City Ceramics Research Institute\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Selected for the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition (13 times) \u003cbr\u003e* Received a special prize at the Japan Contemporary Crafts Tokai Exhibition (2 times)\u003cbr\u003e* Received the Tokoname City Art Exhibition Mayor's Award and other awards (3 times)\u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (4 times) \u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the Tokai Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (4 times) \u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the Japanese Tea Crafts Exhibition \u003cbr\u003e* Exhibited at Korea Expo 2001\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature style of tea pots :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eSawada has Inherited his master's art style, creating teapots with a designer's sensibility. Born in a kiln that produces chemically precise ceramics, his works also show the delicate preparation of clay and glaze.   When we visited we were lucky to see his modified reduction firing technique and original glazes which give the unique Tomohiro metallic sheen\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAll about Tokoname\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA short history :\u003c\/b\u003e The Tokoname region is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe events that shaped Tokoname teaware  :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokoname Today : \u003c\/b\u003eToday Tokoname is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture - something reflected in our selection of pieces.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is still best known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei [\u003c\/span\u003e朱泥 - vermilion clay].  \u003cspan\u003eIt should be noted that \u003c\/span\u003ehonshudei (本朱泥 - real\/true shudei) the original clay - is now rare [as we have seen on our trips] - many potters use modern formulations that approximate its colour and effect on tea profile.  As well as shudei there are many other types of clay in use in modern day Tokoname including \u003ci\u003eKoudei\u003c\/i\u003e [yellow],  \u003ci\u003eRyokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [green] and \u003ci\u003eKokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [black]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy use a Tokoname Teapot? \u003c\/b\u003eThe vibrant colour of shudei comes from its rich iron content which is said to react chemically with the tannins in green tea resulting in a mellow cup. Tokoname ware is also unglazed \u0026amp; naturally porous - a characteristic which is said to enable absorption of impurities from water - making for a smoother cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyles of Tokoname Teapot\u003c\/strong\u003e There are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774461497729,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/21E18D7D-5FBA-4376-AA57-DE458418C33F.jpg?v=1780846812"},{"product_id":"160ml-black-houhin-with-16l-yuzamashi-white-porcelain-houhin-9-5cm-x-7cm-with-white-porcelain-cup-180ml-9-5-x-4-7cm","title":"160ml Black Houhin with 160ml Yuzamashi (Takasuke Kiln)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis beautifully simple set is perfect \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor enjoying high-quality teas \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKiln : \u003c\/strong\u003eTakasuke\u003cstrong\u003e Artist \u003c\/strong\u003e Hiroshi Kita 喜多浩資\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1958 Born as the first son to the Takasuke Kiln\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1981 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics School\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1982 Graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural Industrial Center Porcelain Course\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1982 Apprenticed with master ceramics artisan Morisato Toraku in Yamashina, Kyoto.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1984 Began work as ceramics artisan in Tokoname\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1986 Winner of Tokoname Ceramics Choza Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1995 Winner of Tokoname Ceramics Choza Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1997 Honorable mention Japan Craft Exhibition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1997 Winner of Tokoname Ceramics Choza Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1998 Honorable mention Japan Craft Exhibition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 48\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774505701761,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/7EFFE8F7-D3CF-48D8-AC42-6E8F404646AB.jpg?v=1758536034"},{"product_id":"360ml-red-tokoname-kyusu-teapot-with-ceramic-strainer-jinsui-kiln","title":"Everyday range : 360ml Red Shudei Ikomi [鋳込み] Tokoname Kyusu Teapot with white striped lid Belt Strainer [Tomisen Kiln]","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slip cast \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, decorated with a white stripe around the lid.  The teapots\u003cspan\u003e belt strainer wraps around the entire inner wall of the teapot and has a wider surface area than any other tea strainer.  This \u003cem\u003e‘belt shaped tea strainer’ \u003c\/em\u003emaintains its functionality regardless of the direction the tea leaves are shifted inside the teapot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-widget  card-widget--is-collapsible   card-widget--layout-compact   product__description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"region\" class=\"toggle__content remove-empty-space\" data-js-content=\"\" id=\"toggle--description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-widget__content  rte  remove-empty-space\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece was made by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShinichiro Yamamoto 4th generation at the Tomisen Kiln specialising in \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ethe \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIkomi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e [IKOMI鋳込み] method, (pressure or slip casting)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecification\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 360ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Tomisen Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e TOMISEN Kiln \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ePresident\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Shinichiro Yamamoto 4th generation \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethods used\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis kiln use the slip casting process for the body of the kyusu made here and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIkomi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [IKOMI鋳込み] method, (pressure or slip casting) Liquid clay (slip) is poured \u0026amp; shaped in a plaster mould. They also apply \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChara\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [CHARAチャラ] - a unique Tokoname technique where a very fine liquid clay is sprayed or applied to the surface before firing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eSlip Casting is a skilled industry : \u003c\/b\u003eThe making of the plaster moulds or casts is a whole skilled industry too - they can only be used around 100 times before needing to be replaced We were invited to watch the hand painting \u0026amp; discussed how here, like elsewhere in Tokoname, there is a declining number of skilled workers to complete all the intricate steps. 4 generations on Shinichiro Yamamoto \u0026amp; his family run a highly complex operation - every step has to be completed with precision \u0026amp; in time for the process to work. It’s human centred - no huge computers or algorithms- just years of knowledge \u0026amp; dedication to keep traditions alive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X0oYpLhAyng\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAll about Tokoname\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA short history :\u003c\/b\u003e The Tokoname region is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe events that shaped Tokoname teaware  :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokoname Today : \u003c\/b\u003eToday Tokoname is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture - something reflected in our selection of pieces.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is still best known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei [\u003c\/span\u003e朱泥 - vermilion clay].  \u003cspan\u003eIt should be noted that \u003c\/span\u003ehonshudei (本朱泥 - real\/true shudei) the original clay - is now rare [as we have seen on our trips] - many potters use modern formulations that approximate its colour and effect on tea profile.  As well as shudei there are many other types of clay in use in modern day Tokoname including \u003ci\u003eKoudei\u003c\/i\u003e [yellow],  \u003ci\u003eRyokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [green] and \u003ci\u003eKokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [black]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy use a Tokoname Teapot? \u003c\/b\u003eThe vibrant colour of shudei comes from its rich iron content which is said to react chemically with the tannins in green tea resulting in a mellow cup. Tokoname ware is also unglazed \u0026amp; naturally porous - a characteristic which is said to enable absorption of impurities from water - making for a smoother cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyles of Tokoname Teapot\u003c\/strong\u003e There are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774557409665,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/7ADBABAF-01B8-4217-A2CF-F59A125675AA.jpg?v=1758537707"},{"product_id":"350ml-red-tokoname-kyusu-teapot-with-white-striped-lid-belt-strainer-tomisen-kiln","title":"Everyday range : 350ml Red Shudei Ikomi [鋳込み] Tokoname Kyusu Teapot with engraving Belt Strainer [Tomisen Kiln]","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slip cast Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from Tokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, decorated with a peony engraving.  The teapots\u003cspan\u003e belt strainer wraps around the entire inner wall of the teapot and has a wider surface area than any other tea strainer.  This \u003cem\u003e‘belt shaped tea strainer’ \u003c\/em\u003emaintains its functionality regardless of the direction the tea leaves are shifted inside the teapot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-widget  card-widget--is-collapsible   card-widget--layout-compact   product__description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"region\" class=\"toggle__content remove-empty-space\" data-js-content=\"\" id=\"toggle--description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-widget__content  rte  remove-empty-space\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece was made by Shinichiro Yamamoto 4th generation at the Tomisen Kiln specialising in the \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIkomi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e [IKOMI鋳込み] method, (pressure or slip casting)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecification\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 350ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Tomisen Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e TOMISEN Kiln \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ePresident\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Shinichiro Yamamoto 4th generation \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eMethods used\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis kiln use the slip casting process for the body of the kyusu made here and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIkomi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [IKOMI鋳込み] method, (pressure or slip casting) Liquid clay (slip) is poured \u0026amp; shaped in a plaster mould. They also apply \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChara\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [CHARAチャラ] - a unique Tokoname technique where a very fine liquid clay is sprayed or applied to the surface before firing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eSlip Casting is a skilled industry : \u003c\/b\u003eThe making of the plaster moulds or casts is a whole skilled industry too - they can only be used around 100 times before needing to be replaced We were invited to watch the hand painting \u0026amp; discussed how here, like elsewhere in Tokoname, there is a declining number of skilled workers to complete all the intricate steps. 4 generations on Shinichiro Yamamoto \u0026amp; his family run a highly complex operation - every step has to be completed with precision \u0026amp; in time for the process to work. It’s human centred - no huge computers or algorithms- just years of knowledge \u0026amp; dedication to keep traditions alive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X0oYpLhAyng\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAll about Tokoname\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA short history :\u003c\/b\u003e The Tokoname region is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe events that shaped Tokoname teaware  :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokoname Today : \u003c\/b\u003eToday Tokoname is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture - something reflected in our selection of pieces.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is still best known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei [\u003c\/span\u003e朱泥 - vermilion clay].  \u003cspan\u003eIt should be noted that \u003c\/span\u003ehonshudei (本朱泥 - real\/true shudei) the original clay - is now rare [as we have seen on our trips] - many potters use modern formulations that approximate its colour and effect on tea profile.  As well as shudei there are many other types of clay in use in modern day Tokoname including \u003ci\u003eKoudei\u003c\/i\u003e [yellow],  \u003ci\u003eRyokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [green] and \u003ci\u003eKokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [black]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy use a Tokoname Teapot? \u003c\/b\u003eThe vibrant colour of shudei comes from its rich iron content which is said to react chemically with the tannins in green tea resulting in a mellow cup. Tokoname ware is also unglazed \u0026amp; naturally porous - a characteristic which is said to enable absorption of impurities from water - making for a smoother cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyles of Tokoname Teapot\u003c\/strong\u003e There are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774604038529,"sku":null,"price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/AFBEB738-F723-42FB-AD9C-20419CCDEEE4.jpg?v=1758538138"},{"product_id":"250ml-white-handle-less-pouring-teapot-isshin-kiln-tokoname","title":"250ml white Tokoname-yaki Chaho [茶逢 ] (Issin kiln)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis\u003cb\u003e Chaho [\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e茶逢 ]\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e pouring Tokoname-Yaki tea pot is a relatively new design which makes it easy to enjoy fine tea - from the Isshin Kiln  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eChaho [\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e茶逢 ]\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis pouring tea pot - a hybrid of a Shiboridashi and Hohin -  is a relatively new concept and is called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"茶逢 \/ Chaho”, translating to \"meeting the best tea\".  The last few drops of tea - known as the ‘golden drops’ are rich in nutrients and flavour and the design of this pot enables every last drop of flavourful tea to be squeezed out.  The piece is designed to be easy to use with one hand and easy to replace the tea leaves after use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 250ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABOUT THE ISSIN KILN \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e ISSIN Kiln ( 一心 陶房 )\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Eiichi TSUCHIHIRA [\u003c\/span\u003eIssin\u003cspan\u003e II] ( 土平 栄一 [二代] )\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear \u0026amp; city of birth  :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Born in 1969 in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation\u003c\/b\u003e : Iowa State University USA. Graduated from Miyazaki University Graduate School of Agriculture.  Graduated from Arita Ceramics College.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eAwards (shortened) :\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e* Certified Tokoname ware traditional craftsman by M'ster of Economy, Trade \u0026amp; Ind\u003cbr\u003e* Awarded the Grand Prize at the 11th Tableware Contest. \u003cbr\u003e* Received Shoichi Royama Sp Award at Craft Comp 2006 in Takaoka, City of Crafts \u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the World Fire Expo\/Street Furniture Exhibition \u003cbr\u003e* Selected for the 7th International Ceramics Exhibition Mino\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature style of tea pots :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEiichi Tsuchihira \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e is a creative potter who has both slurry casting and potter's wheel molding in his pottery repertoire. \u003c\/span\u003eHe is a\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e potter who excels at using glazes in Tokoname pottery production area where stoneware is dominant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eALL ABOUT TOKONAME\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA short history :\u003c\/b\u003e The Tokoname region is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe events that shaped Tokoname teaware  :\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokoname Today : \u003c\/b\u003eToday Tokoname is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture - something reflected in our selection of pieces.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is still best known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei [\u003c\/span\u003e朱泥 - vermilion clay].  \u003cspan\u003eIt should be noted that \u003c\/span\u003ehonshudei (本朱泥 - real\/true shudei) the original clay - is now rare [as we have seen on our trips] - many potters use modern formulations that approximate its colour and effect on tea profile.  As well as shudei there are many other types of clay in use in modern day Tokoname including \u003ci\u003eKoudei\u003c\/i\u003e[yellow],  \u003ci\u003eRyokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [green] and \u003ci\u003eKokudei\u003c\/i\u003e [black]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy use a Tokoname Teapot? \u003c\/b\u003eThe vibrant colour of shudei comes from its rich iron content which is said to react chemically with the tannins in green tea resulting in a mellow cup. Tokoname ware is also unglazed \u0026amp; naturally porous - a characteristic which is said to enable absorption of impurities from water - making for a smoother cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyles of Tokoname Teapot\u003c\/strong\u003e There are three possible forms of Tokoname teapots, categorized according to where the handle is sited. A yokode kyusu has it on the side, an ushirode kyusu has it at the back and an uwade kyusu has a handle on the top. The most typical modern type is the yokode kyusu, which is the one we use at Comins. This style can be traced back to the end of the Song dynasty (960–1279) in China for the preparation of powdered tea. It has been adapted perfectly over time to meet Japanese needs, incorporating a fine mesh to prevent the fine particles of tea from coming out. Each one is balanced according to the potter’s preferences. Customers often comment how simple yet effective their design is, not knowing that the concept has not really changed in 900 years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774781739393,"sku":null,"price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/E6F81F5A-175D-41FD-AEC9-C5DC311D8835.jpg?v=1758540808"},{"product_id":"l200ml-black-handle-less-pouring-teapot-isshin-kiln-tokoname","title":"200ml Kokudei Tokoname yaki Chaho [茶逢 ] teapot (Sekiryū kiln)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis\u003cb\u003e Chaho [\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e茶逢 ]\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e pouring Tokoname-Yaki tea pot is a relatively new design which makes it easy to enjoy fine tea - from the Sekiryū\u003c\/span\u003e Kiln  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eChaho [\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e茶逢 ]\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis pouring tea pot - a hybrid of a Shiboridashi and Hohin -  is a relatively new concept and is called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"茶逢 \/ Chaho”, translating to \"meeting the best tea\".  The last few drops of tea - known as the ‘golden drops’ are rich in nutrients and flavour and the design of this pot enables every last drop of flavourful tea to be squeezed out.  The piece is designed to be easy to use with one hand and easy to replace the tea leaves after use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPECIFICATION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapacity : 200ml \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eABOUT THE SEKIRYU KILN \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e : \u003c\/strong\u003eSekiryū kiln\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName of Master : \u003c\/strong\u003e3rd generation Sekiryu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774819750273,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/F3786A0B-84AE-41D2-BFC0-BCB42F574AF1.jpg?v=1758541294"},{"product_id":"350ml-mino-ware-black-teapot-with-removable-basket","title":"350ml Mino Ware Black teapot with removable basket","description":"\u003cp\u003eA black Mino Ware teapot from the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt features a completely washable basket, easy to use and easy the wash.  The perfect everyday teapot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774875914625,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/555EA8AD-46AC-4584-8575-96AA90493F90.jpg?v=1758544173"},{"product_id":"hasami-yaki-260ml-white-tea-bowl-with-red-flowers","title":"Hasamiyaki 260ml white tea bowl with red flowers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis simple 260ml Hasamiyaki tea bowl with red flowers is perfect for enjoying your daily tea \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout Hasamayaki \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHasamayaki or \u003cspan\u003eHasami Ware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a form of porcelain produced in Hasami in Nagasaki prefecture. A traditional handicraft\u003ci\u003e [\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003edesignated as a Traditional Craft of Japan by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it was first produced in the latter part of the Sengoku period (1467-1603) and today is popular for affordable tableware for daily use. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail-image-right gmail-image-map\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail-col\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe details of Hasamayaki are best described on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kogeijapan.com\/locale\/en_US\/hasamiyaki\/\"\u003eKogei website\u003c\/a\u003e which lists items designated as \"Traditional Crafts of Japan\" by the the Ministry of Economy.  The below is taken from their description of the process which you can read more about \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kogeijapan.com\/locale\/en_US\/hasamiyaki\/\"\u003ethrough the link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Process\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003col class=\"gmail-list-order\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorcelain stone\/Grinding \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmakusa porcelain stone is the raw material for Hasami Ware : a clay porcelain stone mined from the Amakusa peninsula (south of Nagasaki). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForming\u003c\/strong\u003e : in the case of Hasamayaki\u003cspan\u003e mostly produced using molds before drying\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnglazed firing \u003c\/strong\u003eto increase the strength of the material and improve water absorbency, making it easier to perform underglaze decoration and glazing [800 to 950℃] \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderglaze decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis carried out before the glazing.   The characteristic indigo blue of Hasami Ware comes from the dye for \u003ci\u003egosu\u003c\/i\u003e porcelain. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlazing \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto emphasize the beautiful luster of the porcelain and add features such as stain resistance, leak prevention, and increased strength\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlost firing\/ biscuit firing\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003earound\u003cspan\u003e 1300℃ (about 2372℉.) and only removed after the temperature has gradually cooled down to almost room temperature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003eOverglaze decoration \u003cspan\u003ePigments with temperature restrictions, e.g red paint, are applied. After application the pieces are completed by firing at 750 to 850℃\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003eInspection before shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774924640641,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/1C2CB4DF-3670-4D44-BF71-12B451362A27.jpg?v=1758546326"},{"product_id":"hasami-yaki-260ml-white-tea-bowl-with-red-flowers-1","title":"Hasami-yaki 260ml white tea bowl with blue flowers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis simple 260ml white Hasamyaki tea bowl with red flowers is perfect for enjoying your daily tea \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout Hasamayaki \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHasamayaki or \u003cspan\u003eHasami Ware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a form of porcelain produced in Hasami in Nagasaki prefecture. A traditional handicraft\u003ci\u003e [\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003edesignated as a Traditional Craft of Japan by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it was first produced in the latter part of the Sengoku period (1467-1603) and today is popular for affordable tableware for daily use. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail-image-right gmail-image-map\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail-col\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe details of Hasamayaki are best described on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kogeijapan.com\/locale\/en_US\/hasamiyaki\/\"\u003eKogei website\u003c\/a\u003e which lists items designated as \"Traditional Crafts of Japan\" by the the Ministry of Economy.  The below is taken from their description of the process which you can read more about \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kogeijapan.com\/locale\/en_US\/hasamiyaki\/\"\u003ethrough the link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Process\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003col class=\"gmail-list-order\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorcelain stone\/Grinding \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmakusa porcelain stone is the raw material for Hasami Ware : a clay porcelain stone mined from the Amakusa peninsula (south of Nagasaki). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForming\u003c\/strong\u003e : in the case of Hasamayaki\u003cspan\u003e mostly produced using molds before drying\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnglazed firing \u003c\/strong\u003eto increase the strength of the material and improve water absorbency, making it easier to perform underglaze decoration and glazing [800 to 950℃] \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderglaze decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis carried out before the glazing.   The characteristic indigo blue of Hasami Ware comes from the dye for \u003ci\u003egosu\u003c\/i\u003e porcelain. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlazing \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto emphasize the beautiful luster of the porcelain and add features such as stain resistance, leak prevention, and increased strength\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlost firing\/ biscuit firing\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003earound\u003cspan\u003e 1300℃ (about 2372℉.) and only removed after the temperature has gradually cooled down to almost room temperature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003eOverglaze decoration \u003cspan\u003ePigments with temperature restrictions, e.g red paint, are applied. After application the pieces are completed by firing at 750 to 850℃\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"gmail-num-item\"\u003eInspection before shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774947053953,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/37A020CE-BE5F-461E-853D-CDDE8CA262EA.jpg?v=1758546491"},{"product_id":"white-porcelain-250ml-mino-ware-teapot-with-removable-basket","title":"White porcelain 250ml Mino-Yaki teapot","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis white porcelain teapot from the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture has a spout with a slit to extract every last drop of concentrated flavour.  The design of the pot allows appreciation of tea with all 5 senses \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMino Ware\u003c\/strong\u003e (called \u003ci\u003eMino Yaki\u003c\/i\u003e in Japanese) is a ceramic ware produced in the Tono area of Gifu prefecture. It has a long history and tradition but has adapted to modern life style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774968058241,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/928872F0-379D-4341-BCFD-F615682E0C9C.jpg?v=1758546869"},{"product_id":"black-tokaname-matcha-pouring-set-zenji-shimizu","title":"Black Tokaname Matcha Pouring Set (Zenji Shimizu)","description":"\u003cp\u003e580ml Matcha preparation\/pouring bowl with 180ml drinking cup.  An easy way to prepare \u0026amp; enjoy Matcha \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparation bowl : 14.5 x 13.5 x 8cm high\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrinking cup : 7.8 x 7.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54775017963905,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/6CC10AE6-E232-47C3-8919-1CE83F92373A.jpg?v=1758549006"},{"product_id":"comins-japanese-silver-tea-tin-8-2-x-9-1-cm","title":"Comins Japanese Silver Tea Tin \/ 8.2 x 9.1 cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eA simple tea tin with lid seal great for storing any tea. With our beautiful logo \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54775150772609,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/F6D9EA06-21AB-48B6-86E8-47D8FE8DAB69.jpg?v=1758549958"},{"product_id":"green-brown-tokoname-290ml-japanese-water-cooler-yuzamashi-maekawajunzou-kiln","title":"290ml Green\/Brown Mino Yaki Yuzamashi  (湯冷まし] \/ water cooler [Kakurin Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe are often asked 'how do we get the right water temperature for the perfect bowl of Japanese Tea?'.  You can of course use a temperature controlled kettle but traditionally, in Japan, the Yuzamashi (湯冷まし] or Water Cooler is used.  When brewing Sencha, Sencha Karigane, Sencha Fukamushi or Genmaicha simply pour boiling water into the Yuzamashi or Water Cooler and then pour water into your Kyusu teapot.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunction of Yuzamashi :\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBoiling water poured into a yuzamashi cools to approximately 90°C, and then to approximately 80°C when poured into a kyusu.  So by using this simple and beautiful pot in this way you will get the water to the ideal temperature of 176F (80C).  Brew for the appropriate time and then simply enjoy your tea!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMino Ware\u003c\/strong\u003e (called \u003ci\u003eMino Yaki\u003c\/i\u003e in Japanese) is a ceramic ware produced in the Tono area of Gifu prefecture. It has a long history and tradition but has adapted to modern life style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKakurin Kiln\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none solid rgb(10, 10, 10); border-bottom: 0px none rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eKakurin Kiln\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (Kakuringama) : an award winning Mino ware producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotter :\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLed by \u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none solid rgb(10, 10, 10); border-bottom: 0px none rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003eHideki Hayashi\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial features : \u003c\/strong\u003eHighly celebrated for its vessels decorated in vibrant, colorful glazes (like red, Turkish blue, and yellow)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards : W\u003c\/strong\u003eon the 9th Mino Ceramic Development Tomoko Award\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54785252131201,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/F9D538E8-EF41-4EE0-8BBA-68055A13219A.jpg?v=1758702858"},{"product_id":"white-640ml-japanese-chamiru-for-hot-cold-tea-chikusyun-kiln","title":"White 640ml Japanese Chamiru [For hot \u0026 Cold Tea] [Shoukouen Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA lidless teapot called \"Cha-miru\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-removefontsize=\"true\" data-originalcomputedfontsize=\"16\"\u003eChamiru can be used both hot and cold brewing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-removefontsize=\"true\" data-originalcomputedfontsize=\"16\"\u003eThe concept behind this lidless teapot is to make brewing tea easily and convenient.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore information :\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to use with one hand. The handle is designed a little longer and the structure makes it easy to take out the tea leaves and prevents the tea water from spilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eCharmiru\" is a lidless teapot developed in Tokoname. 1. Clean simple design 2. Fine high-performance tea strainer 3. Extremely easy to use 4. Compatible with a variety of tea leaves including deep-steamed tea and powdered tea \"Charmiru\" is a new style of tea utensil born from the tradition of Tokoname teapot making.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54785471873409,"sku":null,"price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/89D08A2A-8A58-4448-8502-59ABF3AE4BB9.jpg?v=1758704048"},{"product_id":"fresh-green-640ml-japanese-chamiru-for-hot-cold-tea-shoukouen-kiln","title":"Fresh Green 640ml Japanese Chamiru [For hot \u0026 Cold Tea] [Shoukouen Kiln]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA lidless teapot called \"Cha-miru\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-removefontsize=\"true\" data-originalcomputedfontsize=\"16\"\u003eChamiru can be used both hot and cold brewing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-removefontsize=\"true\" data-originalcomputedfontsize=\"16\"\u003eThe concept behind this lidless teapot is to make brewing tea easily and convenient.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore information :\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to use with one hand. The handle is designed a little longer and the structure makes it easy to take out the tea leaves and prevents the tea water from spilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eCharmiru\" is a lidless teapot developed in Tokoname. 1. Clean simple design 2. Fine high-performance tea strainer 3. Extremely easy to use 4. Compatible with a variety of tea leaves including deep-steamed tea and powdered tea \"Charmiru\" is a new style of tea utensil born from the tradition of Tokoname teapot making.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54785500545409,"sku":null,"price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/72268EB2-22DF-440C-A387-CF6BEEB15659.jpg?v=1758704333"},{"product_id":"50ml-marbled-tokoname-teacup","title":"50ml Marbled Tokoname Teacup","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerfect for delicate Japanese green teas and the perfect accompaniment to a Kyusu. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X0oYpLhAyng\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTales of the Tea Trade : Tokoname\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRob :\u003c\/em\u003e Extract from our our book \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Tales-Tea-Trade-sourcing-favourite\/dp\/1911595229\"\u003eTales of the tea trade\u003c\/a\u003e : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Tokoname region as it is considered the teaware capital of Japan. This area’s link with pottery dates back to 1100 and is believed to be the oldest in Japan. However, it wasn’t until the start of the Edo period (1603–1868) that this area became important. In early times it focused mostly on vases and jars, but this period also produced the early matcha bowls in the form of yama-chawans (mountain tea bowls). These were coarsely finished bowls with little refinement, but beautiful in their simplicity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday Tokoname is famous for its redware teapots (kyusu), introduced in the early 1860s. Other teapots for green tea had been produced from early in the nineteenth century in Tokoname, but this new style became very popular. Again it was influenced by China, whose own redware teapots were the typical teaware used at this time. The name comes from the deep red, iron-rich clay from which it is made. Its use in Japan had a big effect on Tokoname’s ceramic industry, with an influx of new potters who specialized in making redware teapots. This was helped by the visit of a Chinese potter called Jin Shi Heng who, in 1878, was invited to teach Chinese techniques for making teapots, greatly accelerating development and increasing quality. This, combined with a period of rapid industrialization, eventually meant mass-production hit Tokoname towards the end of the nineteenth century, with much small-scale domestic production replaced with industrial-scale manufacturing. However, Tokoname today is a place of great diversity, incorporating both small and large-scale manufacture.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54989452640641,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/FFE01D1E-5148-4A72-A403-4778FCCF9BEC.jpg?v=1763478788"},{"product_id":"kokura-placemat","title":"Kurume Kasuri Coaster  [Chikuho city : Fukuoka]","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful Indigo Dyed Kurume Kasuri Coaster.  Perfect for your teatime\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Kurume Kasuri\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKurume Kasuri\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e- ‘a traditional textile that has been handed down over the generations. Patterns are envisioned and the cotton is dyed before it is woven, the slight variations resulting from this process yield the trademark patterns of Kurume Kasuri.  Daigo Ikeda is the 4th generation of the Ikeda Kasuri Kobo.  Production Involves over 30 highly technical \u0026amp; proficient processes so no wonder, in 1957, Kurume Kasuri was designated as an important intangible cultural property of Japan \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55011664724353,"sku":null,"price":17.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/0442E45D-9EB0-4F7B-BC15-A5BD2DAB6C7D.jpg?v=1763909727"},{"product_id":"stripes-placemat","title":"Kokura Stripes coaster blue [Kokura Shima Shima ;Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka]","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA beautiful Kokura Striped tea coaster \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eKokura Shima Shima : Kitakyushu City\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eA modern textile brand based on the traditional Kokura-ori fabric,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Kokura-ori \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003efabric was historically made for samurai in the Buzen Kokura region known now as Kitakyushu City. Kokura\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003estripes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ecan be found in many well known places around the world but they also make products on a smaller scale such as tea coasters \u0026amp; table settings - bringing a modern taste of old traditions to tea time\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Comins Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55011664822657,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/files\/4BDF7175-A170-473F-860B-FA97487FA9EC.jpg?v=1763909785"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1174\/3374\/collections\/image.jpg?v=1603027071","url":"https:\/\/cominstea.com\/collections\/japanese-teaware.oembed?page=6","provider":"Comins Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}