{"title":"Teaware Sets","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"houhin-teapot-set-with-yuzamashi-and-6-pc-yunomi-teacups-bizen-ware-konishi-toko","title":"Houhin Teapot Set with Yuzamashi and 6-Pc Yunomi Teacups - Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"261\"\u003eThis is an exceptional Bizen-yaki houhin tea set produced by the Konishi Tōko Kiln, a respected kiln lineage closely connected to the master Konishi Tozo in Bizen, Japan. The set embodies the depth, symbolism, and quiet authority that define serious Bizen ware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"702\"\u003eAt its center is a houhin teapot crowned with a sculptural dragon lid. The dragon emerges organically from the clay, its expression alert, its form integrated into the lid rather than applied as decoration. Flowing wave motifs surround the dragon and continue across the body of the houhin and accompanying vessels, evoking movement, protection, and vitality, classical symbols in Japanese art rendered here through raw clay, ash, and fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"1052\"\u003eThe surfaces display rich natural yakishime firing effects, with layered tones of charcoal gray, ash white, and warm earth hues. These variations are the result of long, high-temperature wood firing, where ash settles naturally and flame interacts unpredictably with the clay. No two pieces are identical, and each surface rewards close inspection.\u003cstrong data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1070\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1538\"\u003eBizen ware is fired without glaze, relying entirely on clay, ash, and flame, making each piece an unrepeatable record of its firing. Complete houhin sets of this scale and sculptural complexity, particularly those featuring a fully realized dragon motif and matching yuzamashi, are highly prized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1684\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThis is both a functional tea set and a collectible work of ceramic art, suitable for serious tea practice, display, and long-term appreciation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1070\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1070\"\u003eSet Includes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1240\"\u003eOne Bizen-yaki houhin teapot with integrated ceramic filter\u003cbr data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003eOne matching yuzamashi (water-cooling vessel)\u003cbr data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1182\"\u003eSix matching yunomi teacups\u003cbr data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1212\"\u003eOriginal signed wooden box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1897\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1897\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"2113\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eCapacity: 220 ml (teapot), 60 ml (teacups)\u003cbr data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"1918\"\u003eOrigin: Bizen, Japan\u003cbr data-start=\"1938\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003eKiln: Konishi Toko (Konishi Tozo family kiln)\u003cbr data-start=\"1986\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003eMaterials: Bizen clay\u003cbr data-start=\"2011\" data-end=\"2014\"\u003eTechnique: Unglazed, natural ash and flame effects from wood firing\u003cbr data-start=\"2081\" data-end=\"2084\"\u003eDesign: Sculptural dragon lid\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44702656856179,"sku":null,"price":860.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/HouhinTeapotSetwithYuzamashiand6-PcYunomiTeacups-BizenWare-KonishiToko_4_21f2e318-50b3-4a33-b3cb-c076f22511c1.png?v=1777403806"},{"product_id":"kyusu-banko-yaki-antique-teapot-set-shimizu-suigetsu-ii-300ml","title":"Vintage Banko-Yaki Kyusu Teapot Set -  Suigetsu II - 300ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis very rare and complete antique Banko-yaki tea set was crafted by Shimizu Suigetsu II (1901–1990), the father of the current head of the Suigetsu kiln and a significant figure in 20th-century Banko pottery working in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Works by Suigetsu II are rare, particularly complete tea sets such preserved excellent condition with their original wooden box. This set is over 50 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuigetsu II was formally recognized by Yokkaichi City as an Intangible Cultural Property, an honor reserved for craftsmen whose work is considered culturally and historically important to the region. This designation reflects not only technical mastery, but also his role in preserving and advancing the Banko-yaki tradition during a formative period in its modern history.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set exemplifies the core philosophy of Banko-yaki: teaware created as functional tools, refined through disciplined craftsmanship and long practice. The surfaces are carved directly into the clay and depict natural motifs, most clearly pine branches and pine leaves, worked with restraint and precision. Fine, needle-like lines wrap gently around the vessels, adding depth and rhythm without overpowering the form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carving is subtle and integrated, allowing the clay and firing to remain the primary visual elements. Natural tonal variation emerges across the surface, giving the set a quiet, composed presence that reveals itself gradually through use and close inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kyusu is rounded and well balanced, with a carefully proportioned spout and side handle designed for smooth, controlled pouring. The yunomi cups and yuzamashi are matched in scale and proportion, forming a cohesive ensemble suited for both daily tea practice and long-term appreciation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanko-yaki ceramics by artists designated as Intangible Cultural Properties are particularly valued by collectors, as they represent not only individual craftsmanship but also officially recognized cultural heritage. Complete tea service sets from this period are increasingly difficult to find, especially with the original wooden box intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe set includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1x Kyusu teapot (approx. 300 ml)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5x yunomi cups (approx. 80 ml each)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1x Yuzamashi (water-cooling bowl)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition:  Excellent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Suigetsu II (Shimizu Gen)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCraft: Banko-yaki\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWare: Tea set — kyusu teapot, five yunomi cups, and yuzamashi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapacity: Teapot approx. 300 ml; cups approx. 80 ml each\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes: Original wooden box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44783490531443,"sku":null,"price":520.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/JapaneseKyusuTeaSet_ShimizuSuigetsuII_AntiqueBanko-YakiTeapotset300ml.png?v=1776215417"},{"product_id":"banko-yaki-kyusu-tea-set-shimizu-suigetsu-iii-320ml","title":"Vintage Banko-Yaki Kyusu Tea Set –  Suigetsu III - 320ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a rare Vintage Japanese Banko-yaki tea set in exceptional condition. It was Handmade by the renowned Shimizu Suigetsu III, a highly accomplished third-generation Banko-yaki potter working in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, one of Japan’s most important historical centers for traditional teaware. Based on the older mark (The mark Suigetsu III used before inheriting the official title of 3rd generation head) and stylistic characteristics, this set dates to approximately 40 years ago, representing an earlier period of the artist’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe set consists of one side-handled kyusu teapot, five matching yunomi teacups, and one yuzamashi (water-cooling vessel). All pieces are unified by a refined surface design that feels restrained, balanced, and intentional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decoration is created using Shimizu Suigetsu’s signature sandblasting technique, which brings out natural color variations in the clay rather than relying on applied glaze or paint. The result is a quiet, integrated pattern that feels inherent to the material itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kyusu is thoughtfully proportioned for practical tea preparation. Its rounded body supports heat retention, while the spout is shaped for smooth, controlled pouring. The side handle is balanced and comfortable in the hand, and the fitted lid sits securely during use. The yuzamashi allows hot water to cool before brewing, an essential tool for preparing high-quality Japanese green teas. The yunomi cups share gently rounded forms with refined interiors, suitable for everyday tea drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanko-yaki is prized for its dense clay and excellent thermal stability, making it especially well suited for brewing sencha, gyokuro, kukicha, and other Japanese green teas. Unglazed Banko clay is also valued for how it develops character over time through regular use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist — Shimizu Suigetsu III\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShimizu Suigetsu III represents the third generation of the Suigetsu lineage and is recognized for his technical refinement and disciplined surface design within the Banko-yaki tradition. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous awards at major Japanese ceramic and traditional craft exhibitions, including repeated recognition at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and has earned more than twenty honors across national and regional juried shows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis work has been presented to members of the Japanese Imperial Household and exhibited internationally, reflecting his standing within the Japanese ceramic community. Suigetsu III is particularly respected for his precise kyusu construction, with careful attention to spout geometry, lid fit, balance, and usability. Earlier works such as this set are valued for their quieter aesthetic and are increasingly difficult to find, especially as complete sets with original boxes and documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set comes with its original signed wooden box and certificate, confirming authenticity, artist, and origin, important details for collectors of Japanese ceramics and traditional teaware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003eArtist: Shimizu Suigetsu III\u003cbr\u003eWare: Banko-yaki\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Purple Shidei Clay\u003cbr\u003eEra: Approximately 1980s–1990s\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Vintage; Teaware is in immaculate condition. Wooden box shows signs of age consistent with vintage storage\u003cbr\u003eIncludes: Original signed wooden box\u003cbr\u003eUse: Sencha, gyokuro, Japanese green tea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet Includes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1x kyusu teapot (approx. 320 ml capacity)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5x yunomi teacups (approx. 80 ml capacity each)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1x yuzamashi (water-cooling vessel)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788968259699,"sku":null,"price":670.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/VintageBanko-YakiKyusuTeaSet_SuigetsuIII-320ml_2.png?v=1777076043"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/collections\/suigetsu_set_box.png?v=1776560799","url":"https:\/\/artisanaljapan.com\/collections\/teaware-sets.oembed","provider":"Artisanal Japan","version":"1.0","type":"link"}