Houhin Teapot Set with Yuzamashi and 6-Pc Yunomi Teacups - Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko

Name: Houhin Teapot Set with Yuzamashi and 6-Pc Yunomi Teacups - Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko
Brand: Artisanal Japan
Price: 860.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Houhin Teapot Set with Yuzamashi and 6-Pc Yunomi Teacups - Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko

$860.00

Included: 1x Houhin teapot, 1x matching yuzamashi, 6x matching yunomi teacups, original signed wooden box

Konishi Toko Kiln

Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Bizen clay | Unglazed, yakishime (natural ash and flame effects from wood firing)

Houhin teapot | 220ml (teapot), 60ml (teacups)

About Houhin Teapot Set with Yuzamashi and 6-Pc Yunomi Teacups - Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko

This 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.

At 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.

The 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.

Bizen 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.

This is both a functional tea set and a collectible work of ceramic art, suitable for serious tea practice, display, and long-term appreciation.

Set Includes

One Bizen-yaki houhin teapot with integrated ceramic filter
One matching yuzamashi (water-cooling vessel)
Six matching yunomi teacups
Original signed wooden box

Details

Capacity: 220 ml (teapot), 60 ml (teacups)
Origin: Bizen, Japan
Kiln: Konishi Toko (Konishi Tozo family kiln)
Materials: Bizen clay
Technique: Unglazed, natural ash and flame effects from wood firing
Design: Sculptural dragon lid

Teaware Care

Japanese teaware is made to be used and enjoyed. With simple, consistent care, your kyusu, shiboridashi, hōhin, yunomi, and matcha ware can age beautifully over many years.

In most cases, the best approach is also the simplest: clean soon after use, use warm water, and allow every piece to dry completely before storing.

Everyday Care

After each tea session, remove the leaves and rinse your teaware as soon as possible. Letting wet leaves or tea sit for too long can lead to odors, staining, and moisture problems, especially in unglazed clay or more porous glazed wares.

For routine cleaning, warm water and a gentle hand rinse are usually enough.

Once rinsed, allow the piece to dry fully before storing it. This matters most for kyusu, shiboridashi, hōhin, and porous chawan, where moisture can linger in spouts, lids, filters, and clay bodies. Wiping with a clean cloth is fine, but air-drying is still important, especially for more absorbent wares.

What to Avoid

Avoid soap, bleach, harsh cleaners, and abrasive scrubbers on most handmade teaware.

This is especially important for unglazed interiors and porous glazes, which can absorb residues and affect the character of future brews. Dishwashers are also best avoided for most handcrafted teaware, as heat, detergents, and vibration can be hard on delicate or handmade pieces.

Unglazed Clay

Unglazed clay teapots and brewing vessels should generally be cleaned with water only. These clays can interact subtly with water and tea, and they may absorb soap or lingering aromas.

Tea stains in unglazed kyusu are not necessarily a problem. A gentle patina is often a natural part of regular use and can become part of the piece’s character over time.

Porous Glazes

More porous glazed wares need slightly more attention. Pieces with porous glazes can absorb moisture and slowly develop character through use.

Because of that porosity, these wares should be rinsed promptly after use and dried thoroughly. Soap is best avoided, since it can seep into the clay or glaze.

Kyusu Tips

Cleaning all of the leaves out of a kyusu can sometimes be difficult, especially with narrow openings or built-in filters.

A useful method is to fill the pot with water, swirl it gently to loosen the leaves, and pour them out. If small leaves cling to the filter, use a soft brush such as an old toothbrush very gently, then rinse again through the spout to ensure it is clear.

Storage

Store teaware only when completely dry. Trapped moisture can lead to mold or stale smells. For more absorbent pieces, give them extra air-drying time before putting them away in cupboards or boxes.