Hotta Takumi (Kenji Kiln) Nerikomi Tokoname Tea Set

Nerikomi is a traditional Japanese pottery technique where different colored clays are stacked, folded, and kneaded together before being shaped. This creates the unique, marbled pattern that runs through the entire body of the clay rather than just being painted on the surface.

The sasame filter is a fine, perforated ceramic screen built directly into the spout of the teapot. It is designed to strain tea leaves naturally without the need for a separate metal mesh, which can sometimes alter the flavor of delicate teas.

While the set is a beautiful example of functional art, it is designed for regular use. Tokoname-yaki ceramic is durable and heat-retentive, making it an excellent choice for brewing Japanese green teas like sencha or gyokuro.

Hand wash the pieces with warm water and avoid using harsh detergents, as the porous nature of the unglazed or semi-glazed ceramic can absorb soap scents. Simply rinse thoroughly after each use and allow the pieces to air dry completely before storing them in the provided paulownia box.

The teapot holds 270 ml, which is ideal for brewing a few small, concentrated cups of tea. Each of the two included teacups has a 100 ml capacity, perfectly sized for traditional tea service.