Hohin: 160ml (5.41fl oz) diameter: 3.94inch (10cm) height: 2.76inch (7cm)
Yunomi: 50ml (1.69fl oz) each
Yuzamashi: 170ml (5.75fl oz)
Traditional Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Yoshinobu Kawashima at Kawashima 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.

This KURO SHINO Hohin Set exudes a quiet elegance and refined sophistication. Finished with a deep gray glaze known as KURO SHINO, it conveys a sense of maturity and timeless beauty. Bold white vertical panels decorate the exterior, while delicate gold lines accentuate their borders, adding a graceful touch. The black and white INKA floral motifs provide a warm, handcrafted accent that enhances the character of each piece.

KURO means black color in Japanese, while SHINO refers to one of Japan's most celebrated styles of pottery. Originating in the Mino region over 400 years ago, SHINO ware is renowned for its distinctive glazing techniques and rustic beauty. The white panels on the exterior are decorated with INKA, a traditional Japanese decorative technique in which carved stamps are pressed into the clay to create repeating patterns. The simple floral motifs reflect the understated elegance that is characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship.

Over the INKA patterns and throughout the interior, the SHINO glaze is carefully applied with a brush and then gently patted with a sponge. This process creates subtle variations in the thickness of the glaze, producing rich gradations of color that are unique to KURO SHINO glaze. These natural tonal variations give the Hohin set a soft, refined appearance and ensure that every piece is one of a kind.

This Hohin set also features KANNYU, a type of glaze and technique which gives the appearance of fine cracks over the whole surface of the tea ware. These delicate lines form naturally as the glaze and clay cool at different rates after firing. As the tea ware is used over time, the character of the crackle gradually deepens, enhancing the Japanese aesthetic of WABI SABI, which finds beauty in age, simplicity, and the passage of time. Inside each piece, you can also see HAKEME, the subtle brush marks left by the artisan when applying the white glaze, revealing the warmth and authenticity of handcrafted pottery.

Creating this Hohin set requires numerous carefully executed processes, exceptional craftsmanship, and many hours of dedicated work. Traditional techniques, including glazing, INKA stamping, HAKEME and KANNYU, are beautifully combined to create a Hohin set of remarkable elegance and character. Considering the artistry and quality of each piece, it represents exceptional value.

We hope this carefully handcrafted Hohin set will enrich your tea experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the delicate aroma and flavor of fine Japanese green tea.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that each piece is different due to the craftsman's technique. Also, there are individual differences.)