A black Japanese lidded pot, handmade by Nankei Pottery in Yokkaichi from unglazed Banko-yaki clay. Its rounded form makes it a natural salt pot, tea caddy or incense burner, and it's just as at home holding rings or keepsakes.
"Futamono" means a lidded vessel, and "Teppatsu" refers to the iron alms bowls traditionally carried by monks, whose soft, inward-curving rim was designed to prevent spilling. Left unglazed inside and out, the iron-rich Kuro-neri clay has a matte charcoal finish that breathes, making it well suited to salt and tea, and develops a quiet lustre as it absorbs the natural oils from your hands.
Also available in sand. Looking for something larger? See the Anzu Lidded Pot.
Details
- Maker: Nankei Pottery
- Material: natural unglazed clay
- Measurements: approx. 10.5 × 8 cm high with lid; 10.5 × 5.5 cm high without lid
- Colour: black clay (Kuro-neri)
- Finish: unglazed inside and out
- As each piece is handcrafted, pots may differ slightly from piece to piece
- Uses: salt pot, tea storage, incense burner
- Made in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Explore more Nankei Pottery Japanese ceramics.
Care: Hand wash only with a mild, neutral detergent and a soft sponge; avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners. Air-dry thoroughly before storing. If using as an incense burner, place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and let the ash and vessel cool completely before replacing the lid.
As this piece is unglazed, oil stains can occur more easily than on glazed ceramics, but they can usually be removed with a little detergent and a brush.
Because these pieces are unglazed and crafted from raw, mineral-rich earth, you may notice subtle orange blushes or tiny dark iron spots on the surface. These are not defects, but the natural mineral colours of the clay reacting to the high heat of the kiln. Each piece is a unique record of its firing, carrying the honest fingerprints of the Japanese landscape.
