KI KOHIKI Yunomi (handcrafted Teacup: 175ml)

Handcrafted Teacup: 175ml (6.16fl oz) , diameter: 2.87inches (7.30cm) height: 2.91inches (7.40cm)
Sophisticated Earthenware
Made by Kazuhiko Kudo

KOHIKI ware is pottery made in Asahikawa, Hokkaido prefecture, the northern part of Japan, where you can strongly feel the warmth of the earth. KI means yellow color and KOHIKI ware is usually white in color, but Mr. Kudo, the artisan of KI KOHIKI ware, is the only one who can make yellow colored KOHIKI ware. Yellow Sand has fell on the Asahikawa area from the Eurasian continent on the westerly winds since about 45,000 years ago. This Yellow Sand is the miraculous clay that produces the KI KOHIKI ware we are introducing here.

KOHIKI ware is the original creation of Mr. Kudo. He spent more than five years to develop KI KOHIKI ware by mixing several types of clay through trial and error. He strives to always respect the natural world around him and bridge his works to nature. For example, he digs out the clay with his own hands and a shovel. He harvests the basic soil containing iron, the KI KOHIKI decorative clay, and oak wood ash natural glaze, all gifts from the earth. The yellow Earthen color is produced by a well-balanced combination of reducing and oxidizing firings and firing times. This ware is truly his lifetime focus developed through his long-term dedication.

This KI KOHIKI differs from the usual KOHIKI in the yellow color and the simple roughness of the clay, and you can feel the warmth of the clay both visually and tactually. This has not only a beautiful and unique atmosphere but also soothes the heart because of Mr. Kudo's respect for nature and its exemplary design. It has a triple layered structure with the basic soil, a yellow clay coated over it, and a natural ash glaze, created during firing in the kiln. The reddish-brown color on the surface is created by iron content in the soil, fired by high temperatures in the kiln.

The cracks seen over the whole surface is called KAIRAGI. KAIRAGI is created by difference of shrinkage ratios of yellow clay and basic soil. The unique texture also adds a WABI-SABI atmosphere. KAIRAGI texture is one of the Japanese pottery techniques that has been enjoyed since ancient times for its unique appearance. Reddish-brown lines near the KOHDAI base are marked, instead of a stamp of the artisan’s name, which is usually seen. It is colored by iron content, one of his original designs which shows respect for nature.

The texture of the earthenware, the colors of KI KOHIKI and oak ash glaze, the iron coloration and the accents of the KAIRAGI texture are harmonized beautifully in this teacup. The more you use it, the more you feel a peaceful symphony.

Mr. Kudo strives to create simple, traditional yet functional vessels. He takes his time shaping the vessel to make it more comfortable to hold in the hands.

The slightly flared rim of the teacup fits the mouth perfectly when drinking tea, and also provides a lovely accent to the form of the teacup itself. The horizontal lines on the entire surface of the teacup are due to the fact that the teacup is made by Rokuro-Maki, a technique used in the molding of the teacup. Each aspect of the teacup has been carefully created by Mr. Kudo. One example of this is the slightly uneven form, deliberately expressed to add to the WABI-SABI aesthetic sense that has been cherished in Japan since ancient times.

The earthen color of KI KOHIKI Yunomi teacup will certainly expand your green moment.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.

(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)