Tokoname-yaki

Red clay teapots and ceramics from Aichi, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.

Tokoname-yaki, from Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns and has been in continuous production since the late Heian period (12th century). It is best known for its vermillion-red kyusu teapots, whose unglazed iron-rich clay is said to mellow the taste of green tea by absorbing excess tannins. The city of Tokoname is dotted with historic climbing kilns, earthenware pipes, and a charming pottery path lined with ceramic-embedded walls.