{"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","url":"https:\/\/artisanaljapan.com\/products\/tokoname-kyusu-teapot-heart-sutra-by-yohei-konishi-320ml","provider":"Artisanal Japan","version":"1.0","type":"link"}