This dobin style teapot was made by the potters of the Ryumonji Pottery Cooperative in Aira, Kagoshima.

One of two types of dobin they produce, this has feet on the base that give it an elevated stability.  

The surface decoration includes the trailing of glaze for which Ryumonji ceramics are known.

It is 13cm in diameter, and 18cm high.  It weighs 440g, and has a capacity of 400ml.

About the Ryumonji Pottery Cooperative 

Sourcing the ingredients for their ceramics in their immediate area, and firing them in a wood fired hillside kiln, Ryumonji-ware is connected to Kagoshima’s land, and to the history of its ceramics.

With history dating to the early Edo era, Ryumonji-ware is one of the lineages in so called ‘black’ Kagoshima ceramics. In contrast to the ‘white’ work that was characterised by its finery, and provided to the rulers of the domain, the ceramics made at the Ryumonji kilns were for use in everyday life. It developed a rustic beauty, and a quality that began to be truly appreciated in the 20th century. Despite this, ceramics in the region was under threat, but ultimately preserved by the creation of the pottery cooperative.

Ryumonji-ware is known for the excellent quality of white base decoration clay, and for pattern work such as green and caramel brown trailing, or blues onto blacks. The potters make Kagoshima classics such as the ‘choka’ vessels used for serving the local shochu spirt, and use distinct firing techniques and locally found materials to achieve their shark skin effect glaze. As such the work in Ryumonji-ware is a tradition alive and evolving.