How quality Tokoname teapots are handcrafted at Hokujo

Hokujo kiln exterior

In June 2007, I was fortunate enough to visit Mr. Shimizu Genji of Hokujo kiln at his atelier in Tokoname. He is an extremely friendly man and we chatted for an hour over tea before he demonstrated his hand-throwing techniques for us on his potter's wheel.

Here are some unique insights into how his beautiful Tokoname teapots are made.

Forming teapot body Shaping spout and handle

The master craftsman throws a block of clay onto the wheel, creating the teapot’s body, handle, spout, and lid one after another, all from the same block. It really is quite mesmerising and awe-inspiring to watch.

Wheel throwing process
Cross section of teapot body
Dissection of teapot’s body

It goes without saying that good teapots are both attractive and functional. These Tokoname teapots are actually much lighter than they look, as the weight of the boiled water is also taken into consideration during the creative process. Please refer to the photo on the left to appreciate the thinness of the walls of the body. During firing, excess moisture is expelled, shrinking the walls even further.

*Not all Tokoname teapots are made in the same way. Some craftsmen may prefer to make their teapots thicker in order to achieve a certain effect.

Drying Tokoname teapots before firing

Once the teapots are assembled, they are dried out prior to firing. Drying out too quickly can result in the pieces coming apart. The drying out process is slowed down by placing the teapots in wooden boxes for three days. This is just one example of the time and care invested in the crafting of exquisite Tokoname teapots.

Some extra photos from Hokujo kiln

Hokujo kiln interior