Tokoname-yaki Kyusu by Gyokko-gama - A 30-Year Vintage Treasure | BENIKOUJI

BENIKOUJI is a rare, delicate find from a firing 3 decades ago by the esteemed Gyokko-gama in Tokoname. This petite vessel is a canvas of traditional craftsmanship, marrying the texture of black clay with delicate brushwork, it is a striking testament to the masterful artistry.

The Art of the Artisan: Beauty in the Details

While many modern teapots prioritize stark uniformity, the BENIKOUJI celebrates the visible, enduring touch of the human hand.

• Hand-Painted Elegance: Contrasting the deep, charcoal-toned body is a vibrant, hand-painted motif of wild fruits and leaves. This delicate botanical artwork adds a flash of warmth and life, turning a traditional brewing tool into a striking functional sculpture for your tea table
• The Technique: The gentle, horizontal ridges are rokuro-me, the rhythmic, sweeping marks left by the potter’s fingers as the clay spun on the wheel thirty years ago, giving the piece a soft, tactile dimension

Why Vintage Tokoname is Coveted

• A 30-Year Patina: High-iron Tokoname clay is legendary for how it interacts with tea. Over its 30-year resting period, this Kyusu has settled into a soft, matte elegance, a grounded presence that cannot be rushed or replicated in a modern kiln firing
• Flavor Maturation: Collectors prize vintage Tokoname because the porous, mineral-rich clay has had decades to stabilize. It actively works to round out the natural astringency of green teas, producing a cup that is remarkably smooth, sweet, and perfectly balanced
• The Petite "Kyusu" Form: The compact size of this Kyusu is not just practical; it is an absolute joy to hold. Nestling perfectly in your hand, it creates an intimate, tactile connection every time you pour. This petite, jewel-like scale transforms the vessel into a delightful collectable, a 30-year-old treasure that is as stunning to display as it is satisfying to use

Product Details

+ Dimension: Approx. 105mm (Body + Spout) x 105mm (Body + Handle) x H:60mm

+ Region: Tokoname, Aichi, Japan

+ Potter: Gyokko-gama

+ Capacity: circa 140ml