Hōhin Teapot by Seki Taian (関 大安)

This handleless hōhin teapot is by Hagi potter Seki Taian. The thick white glaze has pulled back during firing in a kairagi effect, leaving patches of warm, sandy clay showing through. The gently ribbed, hand-thrown body and the soft knob on the lid give it a relaxed, organic feel.

A hōhin is made for delicate Japanese green teas such as gyokuro and sencha, which are brewed at lower temperatures, so the pot can be held comfortably without a handle. Hagi clay is soft and porous. With use, tea slowly seeps into the fine crackle of the glaze and changes its colour, an effect known as Hagi no nanabake, the "seven transformations" of Hagi. Over the years the pot becomes uniquely yours.