I was searching through Tokoname's teapots today and noticed that they weren't always clear about the production of the pot. Here's the link:
http://www.tokoname.or.jp/teapot/gallery.htm
One issue, for instance, included teapots created by Yokei Mizuno, a member of the Tokoname Hand-made Teapot Assoc., didn't always say whether they were handmade. Likewise, I'm not familiar enough with the Gyokko teapots to know what it means when a teapot bears that name. Did one of the masters of the Gyokko family personally craft that pot, or is there some "mold" that mimics a Gyokko model? Does anyone know whether all Tokoname teapots are hand-crafted or at least personally crafted by specific artists often named on the website? Presently, I'm going through teapots by artists and the clay they're using/location (e.g., Tokoname: Shimizu Genji, Kenji Hotta, Yoshiki Murata, etc., and Banko: Masaka Tachi, etc.). I'd appreciate any clarification that would help me sort through which teapots I am looking at purchasing. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for how I should alter my searches, please do share.
Re: Tokoname Teapots
Have you seen the Artisic Nippon website? Toru, the owner, is always happy to answer questions about his merchandise.
Jun 4th, '13, 19:38
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Re: Tokoname Teapots
The Tokoname site can cause analysis paralysis. ArtisticNippon.com is much easier to shop and ultimately make a decision ... for me anyway as I have shopped both sites almost equally but have only purchased from AN.
And as JRS has pointed out, Toru is most helpful.
And as JRS has pointed out, Toru is most helpful.
Re: Tokoname Teapots
Thank you! I have been going through his site as well. He's immediately helpful simply insofar as he states that all the Tokoname he sells are hand-made (and it's nice that he sells Banko Masaki Tachi). I was looking through Tokoname as well in order to see all my options, but it is somewhat paralyzing as you say.