Teruyuki Isobe (磯部輝之, b. 1938) is among the most revered living kyusu makers of Tokoname, renowned for hand-stamped inka floral decoration and flat “hiragata” teapots of exceptional thinness.
Tokoname is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns and has been a center of ceramic production for over 900 years. Known especially for its red clay teapots, or kyūsu, Tokoname’s ceramics combine functionality with a deep respect for traditional forms. The iron-rich clay used here lends itself to minimalist, unglazed surfaces that are prized by tea drinkers for how they enhance the flavor of brewed tea. Many Tokoname potters are deeply involved with tea culture, and this is reflected in the precision and subtlety of their work.
