Nankei Pottery

Black and white Japanese teapots and coffee servers.

Nankei Pottery

Nankei Pottery is a small kiln that was established in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, in 1913. It specializes in producing teapots and teacups for Banko ware, shaping the rich lives and sensibilities of the Japanese people. With a long history of accumulated high craftsmanship, it manages all complex processes of pottery production in-house. Nankei Pottery, a professional in creating tools that connect traditional and modern lifestyles, has passionately dedicated years to crafting teaware essential for enriching tea-time experiences.

Banko Ware

Banko ware, which began 300 years ago during the Edo period, was named with the wish for it to be "an excellent thing that thrives forever." Although it once declined, the kilns opened in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, revived with the production of teapots alongside the development of Sencha (steeped tea) culture. Known for its unique hardness and lightness, Banko ware teapots, along with Tokoname ware, continue to support Japanese tea culture.

The Ideal Teapot of Nankei Pottery

The ideal teapot envisioned by Nankei Pottery is designed to brew delicious tea and is easy to handle, durable, harmonizes with other utensils and spaces, and embodies a charm that fits into moments of tranquility. Nankei Pottery’s teapots, while inheriting the history of Banko ware, also possess a simple beauty that suits the modern era.

The Making of Nankei Pottery's Teapots

Nankei Pottery undertakes multiple complex processes of teapot manufacturing all in-house. Particularly, the teapot composed of five parts—body, lid, spout, and handle—is initially shaped through power molding, followed by manual refinements. Tea strainers are individually finished by hand, and artisans meticulously join each part. The journey of about one and a half months includes biscuit firing, glost firing, fitting of the lids, and three rounds of quality inspection. While each piece has subtle variations in expression, it is our hope that you will grow fond of it through careful use, enjoying pleasant tea moments.

The Joy of Brewing and Using

At Nankei Pottery, you will find various teacups designed for thoroughly enjoying a cup of tea, made slightly smaller for ease of handling. Additionally, there are larger pieces in simpler shapes like cylinders and cones. Please choose according to your preference. Through these hand-comforting pieces, we wish you to savor the warmth of clay and the pleasure of meticulous gestures. Nankei Pottery's products offer such happy moments.