Houhin Teapot with Double Dragon Lid, Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko - 220ml

Name: Houhin Teapot with Double Dragon Lid, Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko - 220ml
Brand: Artisanal Japan
Price: 750.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Houhin Teapot with Double Dragon Lid, Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko - 220ml

$750.00

Included: 1x Houhin teapot, signed wooden box and papers

Konishi Tozo Kiln

Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

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

Houhin teapot | 220ml

About Houhin Teapot with Double Dragon Lid, Bizen-Yaki - Konishi Toko - 220ml

This exceptional Japanese houhin teapot was produced by the Konishi Toko kiln, a family kiln associated with the lineage of Konishi Tozo in Bizen, Japan. It represents the kiln’s highest level of expressive work, combining sculptural ambition with the raw, fire-driven character that defines serious Bizen ware.

The form is powerful and grounded, with a wide, low body and a confident, asymmetrical profile. The lid is crowned with an intricately sculpted dragon motif, rendered with depth and movement with its coiled body, textured scales, and expressive heads emerging organically from the clay. Rather than appearing ornamental, the dragon feels integrated into the structure of the vessel itself, as if shaped by the same forces that formed the teapot.

The surface displays rich natural firing effects characteristic of Bizen: layered earth tones, ash deposits, and darkened areas formed entirely through kiln atmosphere and placement. No glaze is used. The color and texture are the result of prolonged firing and interaction with flame, ash, and clay, giving the piece a quiet complexity that reveals more with time and use.

Despite its sculptural presence, the teapot remains functional, designed for thoughtful brewing and pouring. It stands comfortably at the intersection of utility and art, equally suited to daily tea practice or as a focal piece in a serious ceramic collection.

Details

Capacity: 220 ml
Origin: Bizen, Japan
Kiln: Konishi Toko (Konishi Tozo family kiln)
Materials: Bizen clay
Technique: Unglazed, yakishime (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.