Sienna Dawn Shiboridashi

Its warm vermilion-red clay and wide, low profile give this handmade shiboridashi a calm, inviting presence. The shallow bowl curves gently inward toward a small foot, while a neatly fitted, slightly domed lid sits within the raised rim. Fine circular throwing lines are visible across the lid, complemented by a simple, rounded knob.

The rim forms a small pouring lip, allowing tea to be decanted directly without a handle or conventional spout. By holding the lid slightly ajar, the leaves can be retained as the infusion flows out. The smooth, unglazed surface highlights the natural color of Tokoname red clay.

With a capacity of just 50 ml, this compact vessel is particularly suited to small, concentrated infusions of Japanese green tea, where careful control over water and pouring is especially welcome.

Explore more pieces in the Sienna collection: Sienna Horizon Kyusu, Sienna Echo Kyusu, Sienna Hearth Kyusu, Sienna Strata Cup.

Written by Sven

About Gyokko

Founded in 1961, Gyokko is a family-run shokunin pottery workshop in Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. Now in its third generation, the studio produces handmade Japanese teaware, including kyusu teapots, shiboridashi and tea cups, combining traditional craftsmanship with precision, functionality and understated beauty.

The production of a Gyokko teapot involves around 40 steps, shared among experienced craftspeople. The body, lid, spout and handle are individually shaped and carefully assembled. Particular attention is paid to the fit of the lid, the angle of the spout for a clean pour, and the position of the handle for comfortable use. The result is teaware that combines the subtle character of handmade ceramics with the reliability and refinement of skilled craftsmanship.

Below is a video of our visit to the Gyokko workshop in Tokoname, where we commissioned the teaware pieces now available at the Nannuoshan shop.

Japanese teaware categories

Japanese teaware can broadly be distinguished into three categories: kikai, commercially produced teaware; shokunin, handmade pieces made by skilled craftspeople; and sakka, works by individual ceramic artists.

Gyokko belongs to the shokunin tradition, where a master develops original designs that skilled potters reproduce entirely by hand. The emphasis is on technical mastery, functionality, and ergonomics. Rather than creating one-of-a-kind art objects, the workshop produces carefully designed pieces that excel in handling and pouring, combining remarkable consistency with the craftsmanship of handmade teaware at an accessible price.

Learn more about the three levels of Japanese pottery in this video.