This yuzamashi—a water-cooling vessel essential to Japanese tea preparation—is the work of renowned Tokoname ceramic artist Jin Tanigawa, whose practice carries forward the rich heritage of Tokoname ware, a tradition dating back to the Edo period.
Made from Tokoname’s distinctive iron-rich clay, this piece is finished using the traditional yakishime (unglazed high-temperature firing) method, which lends the surface a warm, earthy texture.
Its unique markings are the result of the “mogake” technique, in which seaweed is applied to the vessel before firing. During the process, the seaweed burns away, leaving behind organic, one-of-a-kind patterns—an interplay of flame, ash, and clay.
The vessel’s wide mouth and shallow form are thoughtfully designed to allow boiling water to cool quickly, achieving the ideal temperature for brewing delicate teas such as gyokuro and sencha. The unglazed finish offers a pleasant tactile feel, inviting a sense of calm and intentionality to each use.
Each piece is individually crafted, and no two mogake patterns are ever the same—making this a truly unique work born of both artistry and nature.
