Fujita Tokuta Haikake Yuzamashi

A Yuzamashi is a traditional Japanese vessel used to cool boiling water to the precise temperature required for delicate teas, such as Gyokuro or Sencha. By pouring boiling water into this vessel first, you can lower the temperature by 5–10 degrees Celsius before adding it to your tea leaves, which prevents bitterness and preserves flavor.

The iron-rich clay used in Tokoname-yaki ceramics is known for its heat-retaining properties and its ability to interact subtly with the water. This helps stabilize the temperature during the cooling process and is often preferred by tea enthusiasts for its earthy, traditional aesthetic.

Because this vessel is handcrafted by artisan Fujita Tokuta, the ash glaze splatter pattern is unique to each individual piece. You should expect slight variations in the glaze distribution, which is a hallmark of authentic, handmade Japanese pottery.

This Yuzamashi is not dishwasher safe and should be hand-washed with warm water. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive sponges, as they can damage the delicate ash glaze finish over time.

While its primary function is cooling water for tea, the katakuchi (spouted) design makes it an excellent vessel for serving small portions of sauces, dressings, or even sake. Its 220 ml capacity is versatile enough for various table-side pouring tasks.