{"title":"Shōryū Kiln (Shoji Umehara)","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShoji Umehara is a Tokoname-yaki ceramic artisan from Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, who founded Shōryū Kiln in 1978. Born in 1945, he has spent decades refining a body of work centered on the Japanese teapot and is regarded as one of the notable veteran makers of Tokoname teaware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHe is especially known for his distinctive tenmoku-inspired surfaces, which give his teapots a rich and highly recognizable presence. His work brings together technical precision, experimentation, and strong material control while remaining grounded in the discipline of traditional teapot making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA defining quality of Shōryū Kiln is the individuality of each piece. Through surface variation, subtle shifts in tone, and refined form, his teaware carries both artistic presence and everyday function, resulting in works that feel unmistakably personal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOver the course of his career, Shoji Umehara has received significant recognition for his contribution to Tokoname ware. He was recognized as a Traditional Craftsman in 1994 and later received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays in 2017. His exhibition history also includes multiple selections to major ceramic exhibitions, including the Chōzashō Tōgyōten and participation in World Ceramics Exposition 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tokoname-kyusu-teapot-tenmoku-finish-by-shoryu-340ml","title":"Tokoname-Yaki Kyusu Teapot, Tenmoku Finish - Shoryu - 340ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis handcrafted Tokoname kyusu by Shoryu Kiln features the kiln’s signature tenmoku oil drop finish, known for its deep, atmospheric surface and organic patterning. The rounded form is compact and well balanced, designed for comfortable daily use while maintaining a strong sculptural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface reveals layered tones of charcoal, iron grey, and warm reddish undertones that shift subtly with light. These natural variations are the result of firing and material interaction rather than applied decoration, giving each piece a quiet complexity and individuality. The lid fits cleanly and securely, and the spout is shaped for a smooth, controlled pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRooted in Tokoname’s long tradition of functional teaware, this kyusu reflects a philosophy of restraint and precision—where form, surface, and performance are carefully aligned. It is well suited for sencha, kukicha, and other Japanese green teas, offering both daily practicality and visual depth.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nOrigin: Tokoname, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\nKiln: Shoryu (Shoji Umehara)\u003cbr\u003e\nForm: Side-handle kyusu\u003cbr\u003e\nCapacity: approx. 340 ml\u003cbr\u003e\nIncludes: Teapot with lid\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788955086963,"sku":null,"price":189.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/Tokoname-YakiKyusuTeapot_TenmokuFinish-Shoryu-340ml.png?v=1776563123"},{"product_id":"tokoname-kyusu-tenmoku-with-gold-leaf-lid-by-shoryu-340ml","title":"Tokoname-Yaki Kyusu Teapot, Tenmoku with Gold Leaf Lid - Shoryu - 340ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional Japanese kyusu teapot is a masterwork by Shoryu Kiln of Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s historic centers of teaware production. Executed in Shoryu’s signature Tenmoku finish and crowned with a hand-applied real gold leaf lid, this piece represents the highest level of craftsmanship produced by the kiln.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body displays a richly textured Tenmoku oil drop surface  shifting subtly between bronze, umber, and deep earthen tones depending on light and angle. This distinctive finish is Shoryu’s defining hallmark of the kiln’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid is finished with real gold leaf, applied by hand and fired to create a luminous, finely textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the darker body. This combination of Tenmoku and gold is rare within Tokoname kyusu production and is reserved for the kiln’s most important works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form itself is balanced and deliberate, with a rounded body, integrated side handle, and a cleanly cut spout designed for smooth, controlled pouring. Every element serves both function and aesthetic restraint, reflecting the Tokoname tradition while quietly pushing its boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoryu’s work is characterized by disciplined form, technical precision, and deep attention to firing results. The kiln’s Tenmoku surfaces display layered depth and complex tonal variation, achieved through careful glaze formulation and controlled kiln conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Tokoname is traditionally associated with unglazed red clay kyusu, Shoryu Kiln stands out for pushing the aesthetic range of the tradition while remaining grounded in functional teaware. Each piece is produced in limited quantities, with an emphasis on balance, pour quality, and long-term usability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece comes with its original signed wooden box and documents, and is ideal for collectors, daily tea practitioners, or anyone seeking a truly exceptional example of contemporary Tokoname craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nCapacity: 340ml\u003cbr\u003e\nOrigin: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\nKiln: Shoryu Kiln (Shoji Umehara)\u003cbr\u003e\nCraft: Tokoname-yaki\u003cbr\u003e\nFinish: Shoryu’s signature Tenmoku with real gold leaf lid\u003cbr\u003e\nType: Japanese kyusu teapot\u003cbr\u003e\nBox: Original signed wooden box\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788958298227,"sku":null,"price":700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/Tokoname-YakiKyusuTeapot_TenmokuwithGoldLeafLid-Shoryu-340ml.png?v=1777334168"},{"product_id":"tokkoname-kyusu-white-tenmoku-by-shoryu-270ml","title":"Tokoname-Yaki Kyusu Teapot, White Tenmoku - Shoryu - 270ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Japanese kyusu teapot was crafted at renowned Shoryu Kiln in Tokoname, Japan, and features Shoryu’s signature tenmoku finish, an iron-rich surface achieved through precise control of clay, glaze, and kiln atmosphere. The result is a warm, nuanced depth that shifts subtly with light, revealing quiet complexity rather than overt decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface reflects Shoryu’s mature interpretation of tenmoku aesthetics, carefully adapted for Tokoname kyusu forms. Natural variation emerges through firing, creating a composed yet expressive finish that feels both intentional and organic, an embodiment of restraint rather than ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form is compact and assured. A rounded body supports even heat retention, while the side handle is smoothly integrated for comfort and balance. The spout is finely shaped to allow clean, controlled pouring, making this teapot especially well suited for the preparation of high-quality Japanese green teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShoryu Kiln is respected for its ability to merge classical sensibility with functional teaware, and this piece exemplifies that philosophy. It is designed to be used regularly, developing familiarity and presence over time rather than existing solely as an object of display. Each example is finished individually, resulting in subtle variation that underscores its handcrafted character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapacity: 270ml\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003eKiln: Shoryu Kiln\u003cbr\u003eCraft: Tokoname-yaki\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Shoryu’s signature tenmoku finish\u003cbr\u003eForm: Side-handled kyusu teapot\u003cbr\u003eBox: Signed wooden box included\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788962426995,"sku":null,"price":480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/Tokoname-YakiKyusuTeapot_WhiteTenmoku-Shoryu-270ml_6.png?v=1777335259"}],"url":"https:\/\/artisanaljapan.com\/collections\/shoryu-kiln.oembed","provider":"Artisanal Japan","version":"1.0","type":"link"}