KOBIKI MISHIMA Hohin Set (handcrafted Tea Set)

Hohin: 150ml (5.07fl oz) diameter: 4.13inch (10.5cm) height: 3.15inch (8cm)
Yunomi (pair): 30ml (1.01fl oz) each
Yuzamashi: 100ml (3.38fl oz)

Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Keiji Funahara at Keiji Kiln

The Hohin (meaning Treasure Jar or Magical Jar) is a specialized Kyusu, unique in its handle-less design, crafted exclusively for brewing the most exquisite grades of Uji tea. It is believed that the Hohin bestows an even more mellow character upon high-grade teas.

Beyond mere hydration, the Hohin is intended to nurture the soul. Its smaller capacity, compared to a standard Kyusu, encourages a mindful, unhurried appreciation of the tea. A distinctive pour spout allows tiny tea leaves to accompany the liquor, an intentional design feature said to enrich the tea's flavor profile.

To fully honor its purpose, the Hohin should be reserved solely for the highest-grade Uji teas cultivated in Kyoto, such as Pinnacle or Super Premium green teas from Hibiki-an. It is not recommended for lower-grade teas, Fukamushi Sencha, or teas sourced from outside the Uji region. The use of a Hohin set inherently elevates the brewing experience, creating an atmosphere of grace and tranquility.

This Hohin set features the contrast between the natural tones of the clay itself and its energetic decorative patterns. The INKAMON and KARAKUSA designs appear throughout the Hohin set, making it perfect for welcoming the feeling of spring.

KOBIKI means glazing white color on the pottery, and MISHIMA means stamped pattern. KOBIKI is one of the Japanese traditional pottery techniques, coating with glaze made from white clay. The unevenness of the white KOBIKI glaze coating creates the WABI SABI atmosphere. In addition, subtle speckles known as GOHONDE appear on the surface of the Hohin set, adding depth and a distinctive sense of character to the overall piece. The brown base glaze and the brown color of the clay appear through the uneven KOBIKI glaze.

On the lid of the Hohin and on the upper parts of each item, flower patterns are stamped uniformly. This is one of the Kyo-Yaki techniques, which is called INKA. INKAMON (flower stamps) means prosperity of offspring, longevity and wealth. Each stamp is carefully pressed by hand, one by one, while the clay is still soft. In addition, the size of the stamps is selected to suit each item, a process that requires considerable time and effort. After the stamped patterns are applied, SHIROKESHOH is added. Then, especially on the inside of the Yuzamashi and Yunomi, dynamic HAKEME appear in swirling, spiral-like strokes, lending a greater sense of movement. The delicate MISHIMA harmonizes beautifully with the bold, expressive character of SHIROKESHOH, creating a rich rhythm and a feeling of depth.
Furthermore, between INKAMON and the three dividing lines, KARAKUSA (arabesque designs) are painted, expressing movement and change and infusing the entire Hohin set with a lively, dynamic energy.

Looking inside the Hohin, the shape of the spout is known as SHIBORIDASHI. With this shape, you can subtly affect the brewing condition and thus the flavor of the tea by adjusting the lid position. This design allows you to enjoy a delicious second and third infusion of tea, while also making the Hohin easy to clean and maintain.

This is a piece thoughtfully crafted with many details to enhance the enjoyment of fine tea. As you savor your tea, we invite you to appreciate the natural warmth of the material, the lively energy of the design, and the refined craftsmanship of the artisan, and to enjoy a truly luxurious moment of Japanese tea.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.