Yuzamashi/Pitcher (Matte Black)

Pour from the kettle into the yuzamashi, hold it for a moment, and feel the heat move through the clay into your palm — that is how you know the water is ready. NANKEI POTTERY (南景製陶園) makes this one in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture from iron-rich Banko-yaki stoneware. The matte black surface is dense and unglazed, absorbing no flavour between uses. In about ten seconds, the water drops 10–15 degrees — enough to bring boiling water into the 50–80°C window where gyokuro and fine sencha open fully without bitterness. Between brews, it sits well as a small pitcher or serving vessel.

Matte Black clay is iron-rich and fired without glaze — the surface is dry, slightly mineral, and grows more settled with every use.