Bamboo Hōhin

LAST PIECES! Heian Seishō has stopped producing this item. Once our current stock is out, this item will no longer be available.

Hohin - Teapot without handle - by Heian Seisho, Kyoto

The Japanese characters for “hohin” literally mean “treasure pot,” a completely apt translation for serious tea lovers. This bamboo-patterned cooling pot, sans handles as per tradition, is beautifully shaped by master craftsman Kato Seisho the Third, whose family has been creating Sencha-related goods in the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto for three generations. With a body only 2mm thick and an even thinner lid that covers the top completely, this hohin achieves a peerless level of craftsmanship through an elaborate casting process that is all but impossible with pottery.

Kyo or Kiyomizu pottery is a symbol of Kyoto, and it's history has continued for 400 years. To serve the desire of Aristocrats, tea masters and culinary specialists of the era, Kyo or Kiyomizu pottery has incorporated design and artistry not only from Japan, but also from China and Korean Peninsula. To succeed the intricate artwork and craftmanship, each piece is made and decorated carefully by hand even till this day.

After pouring Sencha or Gyokuro tea leaves into the hohin, all that remains is to add just the right amount of warm water—it is recommended leave the hohin only 80% full so as not to weaken the tea—before pouring it into a cup and taking a generous sip of perfection. Remember to pour the tea to the very last, as the final drop is often the best.

Seisho Kato has his own pottery studio near Sennyu-ji Temple in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto, where he produces pottery. By underglazing the white porcelains his father (Seisho the second) makes, he adds the finishing touch on them. His porcelain paintings is characteristically delicate and exquisite. And his sophisticated techniques in painting and decorating received high commendation when his works were displayed at the Japan Sencha Crafts Exhibition, annually held in May in Ohbakusan Manpuku-ji Temple, the one held as part of the National Senchado Party.

☆ WE GUARANTEE SAFE DELIVERY - if the product gets damaged in transit we will replace or make a refund.

☆ HANDMADE PRODUCT - Please note that the item we have in stock might not be the same piece shown on the pictures above. Each piece is unique and slightly different from each other. If you are particular about either the size, the capacity or the appearance, contact us, and we will share photos or the exact details of our available pieces in stock.

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