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Tokoname Teapots

The high quality ceramics made in Tokoname are known throughout Japan and the world as Tokoname-ware. Even today, approximately half of the manufacturing output of teapots and teacups are ceramic based. Tokoname ware has a long history and tradition which dates back 900 years. The Tokoname kilns are believed to date back to about 1,100 A.D., and are probably the oldest kilns in the history of Japanese ceramics.

Tokoname redware was invented in the early 1800’s which developed into the production of tea-ware like teapots and cups for green tea. In the 1900’s mass production was introduced which resulted in new production systems and improved kilns that produced ceramic pipes, bowls and jars. This also improved the quality of the products without changing the tradition of the art.

Each teapot and teacup is handcrafted resulting in uniqueness to each of them which can be seen by a stamp of the artist on the bottom of each teapot or teacup. Dento-kougeishi is a title given to a craftsman designated by the minister of International Trade and Industry Ministry as a person who has excellent traditional techniques. He or she has to be nominated by people who have more than 12 years experience in the area of producing traditional arts and crafts with ceramics.  If you own a Tokoname ceramic you know you have a real treasure that will last many generations.