Rizuki Sano Banko - 170 ml

Rizuki Sano Banko - 170 ml

Japanese Kyusu Banko teapot by master Rizuki Sano with side grip and engraving of birds. A real gem.

About 260 years ago, in the middle of the Edo era, there was a wealthy merchant named Nunami Rozan. Rozan had a deep knowledge of the traditional tea ceremony and an interest in the art of pottery. Wanting his creations to be passed down and used in perpetuity, he had his pottery stamped with the inscription "Banko Fueki", meaning "permanent eternity", and hence the name banko ware was born. With Rozan's passing, the craft of making these goods also disappeared. In the later stages of the Edo period, however, the craft of banko ware was rekindled.

Today's Yokkaichi Banko Ware craftsmanship is based on the creations made in the early Meiji era, after careful study of the creation techniques of that period.
Between 80 and nearly 90% of these earthenware wares are found in Japan. The difference between banko ware pots lies in the clay from which they are made. It has extremely good heat resistance and shows a high durability.

Tea pots, as well as clay cooking pots, are among the exemplary creations of banko ware. The teapots are made from red clay, which comes from the local soil and contains iron, and after a prolonged reduction firing they take on a purple hue. As the teapots are used, their lustre becomes more pronounced and by absorbing acidity (due to the higher iron content), the teapots have a mellowing effect on the taste of the tea.

Before use: rinse the teapot in hot water and allow to dry completely before first use.

Maintenance: do not use detergents, dishwasher. Clean by hand, with clean water, without chemicals. Do not clean with clean detergents. The teapot should be left to dry after each use. Ideally, specify the teapot for the specific type of tea for which it will always be used.