Murata Yoshiki Yohen Tokoname Houhin

A Houhin is a traditional Japanese teapot designed without a handle, specifically intended for brewing high-quality green teas like Gyokuro or Sencha. Because you hold the vessel directly, it encourages you to brew at lower temperatures, which helps extract the tea's natural sweetness rather than bitterness.

Tokoname clay is rich in iron, which reacts with the tannins in tea to help soften and mellow the overall flavor profile. This makes it an excellent choice for smoothing out the astringency often found in delicate Japanese green teas.

Yes, the built-in do-ake ceramic filter is precision-crafted to catch even fine tea leaves while maintaining a smooth, consistent pour. It eliminates the need for a separate mesh basket, making cleanup straightforward.

This Houhin is designed for brewing tea at lower temperatures—typically between 140°F and 160°F—which allows you to hold the vessel comfortably by the sides. If you prefer brewing at boiling temperatures, you may find the vessel too hot to handle without a cloth.

Simply rinse the teapot with warm water after each use and allow it to air dry completely with the lid off. Avoid using soap or detergents, as the porous nature of the clay can absorb these scents and affect the flavor of future brews.

Yōhen refers to the unpredictable color variations that occur naturally during the reduction firing process, resulting in the striking red-to-black gradient you see. It is not a painted glaze but a result of the clay's reaction to the kiln atmosphere, meaning each piece is unique.