{"title":"Yohei Konishi","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eYohei Konishi is a Tokoname-yaki ceramic artist from Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, born in 1941. The eldest son of Yūsen Konishi, he comes from one of Tokoname’s important ceramic lineages and has spent decades refining a body of work centered on the Japanese teapot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHis work is especially distinctive for its wide range of shapes, motifs, and surface treatments, giving his teapots one of the most visually varied and recognizable expressions in Tokoname ware. Rather than working within a narrow formal language, he creates pieces with varied character that still retain balance, refinement, and function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOver the course of his career, Yohei Konishi has received significant recognition for his contribution to Tokoname ware. In 2008, his teapot-making techniques were recognized as an Intangible Cultural Asset in Tokoname, and in 2023 he was recognized with the Aichi Prefecture Outstanding Skills Award.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tokoname-yaki-kyusu-teapot-earth-dragon-by-yohei-konishi-240ml","title":"Tokoname-Yaki Kyusu Teapot, \"Earth Dragon\" - Yohei Konishi - 240ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Earth Dragon\" \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis exceptional kyusu teapot is a masterpiece by Yohei Konishi, an accomplished Tokoname-yaki ceramic artist known for uniting traditional Japanese teaware with expressive sculptural form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rounded body is carved with a powerful dragon motif that emerges directly from the surface of the vessel. Rather than applied decoration, the dragon is fully sculpted in relief, integrated into the form itself. Its scales, eye, and flowing movement are shaped as part of the teapot, giving the piece a strong presence while remaining balanced and composed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural tonal variation across the surface is the result of clay, carving depth, and firing, giving the teapot visual depth and individuality. The surface invites close inspection, revealing subtle shifts in texture and tone from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its sculptural presence, the kyusu is carefully designed for practical tea preparation. The side handle is balanced and comfortable in the hand, the spout pours cleanly with control, and the lid fits securely during use. The interior finish is refined and functional, making the teapot well suited for brewing Japanese green teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-one, unique piece, equally suited for daily tea practice and for display as a focal piece within a ceramic collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe teapot comes with its original signed wooden box and certificate, confirming authenticity, artist, and origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYohei Konishi was born in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, and formally trained in ceramics before becoming a member of the Japan Kōgeikai (Japan Art Crafts Association). His work has been widely exhibited at nationally juried Japanese ceramic and traditional craft exhibitions, and he has been designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Tokoname City in recognition of his contribution to Tokoname-yaki.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKonishi is respected for his command of form, carving, and kiln technique, producing works that balance traditional function with sculptural presence. His pieces are collected both in Japan and internationally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003eArtist: Yohei Konishi\u003cbr\u003eWare: Tokoname-yaki\u003cbr\u003eType: Kyusu (side-handled Japanese teapot)\u003cbr\u003eMotif: Sculptural dragon relief\u003cbr\u003eCapacity: 240ml\u003cbr\u003eIncludes: Original signed wooden box and certificate\u003cbr\u003eUse: Sencha, gyokuro, Japanese green teas, oolongs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788963180659,"sku":null,"price":1020.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/Tokoname-YakiKyusuTeapot__EarthDragon_-YoheiKonishi-240ml.png?v=1777332713"},{"product_id":"tokoname-kyusu-teapot-heart-sutra-by-yohei-konishi-320ml","title":"Tokoname-Yaki Kyusu Teapot, \"Heart Sutra\" - Yohei Konishi - 320ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The Heart Sutra\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis one-of-a-kind Tokoname-yaki kyusu teapot is a handmade ceramic work by Yohei Konishi, an internationally recognized master potter born and based in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s most important historical centers for teaware production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface of the teapot is fully engraved with the Heart Sutra (般若心経), one of the most important and widely recited texts in Mahayana Buddhism. The sutra is carved directly into the clay, wrapping organically around the body and creating a deeply tactile surface. Light and shadow move across the characters as the vessel is turned, giving the piece a sense of depth, gravity, and quiet presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heart Sutra is a concise yet profound Buddhist text that teaches impermanence, interdependence, and the concept of emptiness. In Japan, it is traditionally recited for wisdom, clarity, and compassion. Its presence on this teapot lends the act of tea preparation a reflective, almost ritual quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the lower body of the teapot, a small sculpted Jizō figure emerges subtly from the clay. Jizō is a beloved Buddhist guardian associated with compassion and protection, especially for travelers and children. Jizō figures are commonly found at Japanese temples, shrines, and along roadsides, where they serve as quiet guardians for travelers and symbols of compassion and protection. The figure here is understated and discovered gradually, reinforcing the humility and depth of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe clay body shows natural variation from firing, with subdued shifts in tone and texture shaped by kiln atmosphere and placement. Tokoname clay is valued for its density and excellent thermal stability, making it especially well suited for brewing Japanese green teas. With use, the surface will continue to develop patina, recording tea, handling, and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form is balanced and fully functional. The rounded body supports heat retention, the spout allows for smooth and controlled pouring, and the side handle is substantial yet comfortable. The lid fits securely during use, making this a working kyusu designed for daily brewing rather than display alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe teapot is accompanied by its original signed wooden box and certificate, confirming authenticity, artist, and origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYohei Konishi is an official member of the Japan Kōgeikai (Japan Art Crafts Association). In 2008, he was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Tokoname City, recognizing his contribution to traditional ceramic craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis work has received numerous awards at major Japanese and international ceramic exhibitions, including repeated prizes at the Nihon Dento Kōgei Exhibition, the Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition, and the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition, as well as a Silver Prize at the Vallauris International Ceramic Exhibition in France.  His work has been exhibited widely in Japan and Europe, and a teapot by Konishi is permanently displayed at the Costa Rica National Museum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nCapacity: 320ml\u003cbr\u003e\nOrigin: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\nArtist: Yohei Konishi\u003cbr\u003e\nWare: Tokoname-yaki\u003cbr\u003e\nType: Kyusu (side-handled Japanese teapot)\u003cbr\u003e\nMaterial: Natural Tokoname clay\u003cbr\u003e\nEngraving: Hand-carved Heart Sutra\u003cbr\u003e\nMotif: Integrated Jizō figure\u003cbr\u003e\nFiring: Traditional kiln-fired\u003cbr\u003e\nIncludes: Signed wooden box and certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\nUse: Sencha, gyokuro, Japanese green tea\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788964163699,"sku":null,"price":1020.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/Tokoname-YakiKyusuTeapot__HeartSutra_-YoheiKonishi-320ml_7.png?v=1777331614"},{"product_id":"blue-tokoname-yaki-kyusu-teapot-by-yohei-konishi-280ml","title":"Blue Tokoname-Yaki Kyusu Teapot - Yohei Konishi - 280ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Kyusu teapot is a one-of-a-kind work by Yohei Konishi, a highly respected master of Tokoname-yaki working in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan’s most important center for traditional kyusu teapot production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe teapot features a balanced, rounded form finished in a deep blue-bronze glaze with natural variation created through traditional kiln firing. Subtle speckling and soft tonal shifts give the surface depth without excess, allowing the material and form to remain the focus. The appearance is calm, understated, and timeless, well suited to daily tea practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunction is central to the design. The rounded body supports even heat retention, while the precisely shaped spout allows for smooth, controlled pouring. The lid seats securely, and the side handle is comfortably proportioned for repeated use. Every element reflects Tokoname’s long tradition of producing kyusu that are practical tools first, refined objects second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTokoname-yaki is prized for its dense clay, excellent thermal stability, and long association with Japanese green tea culture. Kyusu from Tokoname are especially valued for brewing sencha, gyokuro, kukicha, and other Japanese teas where control, balance, and consistency matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach teapot by Yohei Konishi is made individually and fired traditionally, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. With use, the surface will gradually deepen and develop character, recording time and handling in a natural way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece comes with its original signed wooden box and certificate, confirming authenticity, artist, and origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYohei Konishi (born 1941, Tokoname City) has been active in Japanese ceramics for more than six decades. He is an official member of the Japan Traditional Crafts Association and has received numerous awards at major national and international ceramic exhibitions. He has held many solo exhibitions in Japan and abroad and was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Tokoname City in recognition of his contribution to the Tokoname-yaki tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003eArtist: Yohei Konishi\u003cbr\u003eWare: Tokoname-yaki\u003cbr\u003eType: Kyusu (side-handled Japanese teapot)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Natural Tokoname clay\u003cbr\u003eFiring: Traditional kiln-fired\u003cbr\u003eIncludes: Signed wooden box and certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003eUse: Sencha, gyokuro, Japanese green tea\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788964655219,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/VintageBlueTokoname-YakiKyusuTeapot-YoheiKonishi-280ml.png?v=1777401153"}],"url":"https:\/\/artisanaljapan.com\/collections\/yohei-konishi.oembed","provider":"Artisanal Japan","version":"1.0","type":"link"}