Description

SiamTeas signature Yuzamashi – click pictures to enlarge

Tea Pottery  @ Siam Tea Shop – The Signature Line

All elements of the SiamTee Signature line are individually handcrafted pottery aworks of art according to my specifications, taking orientation on the elementary instruments of tea preparation. For this purpose, the Siam Tea Shop collaborates with 2 reputed German master potters with relevant specialization. While the Lower Saxon pottery master Karina Klages has had an international reputation in the field of teaware for several years, Katja Junker initially earned her spurs in general ceramics and, eventually finding a higher calling through Siam Tea Shop.

The clay typically used is a major coining factor of each of the 2 artists’ work. In addition, there there are specific individual style features that are characteristic for any artisan’s work. The goal of the Signature Tea Pottery line was to merge such artist-specific characteristics aesthetically and functionally with those of classic role models. In addition to a tendency towards simplicity in design, there is an aesthetic focus on the nature of the clay. The line therefore often works with unglazed surfaces, highlighting the color and structure of the respective clay.

In line with the aesthetic concept, the functional dimension of the elements of the signature line is based on a philosophy of simplistic perfectionism. This means that the respective function of a vessel finds a rather uncomplicated implementation with focus on smoothest possible use. This in turn harmonizes perfectly with the basic aesthetic concept of simple natural beauty.

The Yuzamashi in Tea Preparation

“Yuzamashi” is Japanese and refers to the cooling vessel often finding use in the preparation of Japanese green teas. Since quality green teas need infusion at water temperatures of 60-75°C only, the water must cool down a little after boiling. This is done most quickly and efficiently by first pouring the into a cooling vessel, before pouring over the tea leaves.

Of course, cooling vessels also find use for green tea preparation in China. Our SiamTeas Signature Yuzamashi, however, clearly draws its inspiration from the Japanese side-handle style and the classic shape of Japanese Yuzamashi.

SiamTeas Signature Yuzamashi 250ml, unglazed, fine light clay

Like the other elements of the line, the Signature Shiboridashit is made of a fine and very light, almost white clay that develops dark speckles when firing. Actually, these are iron inclusions, i. e. droplets of iron that is a natural part of the clay. In addition, different shades of color arise, forming a visually discreet, but nevertheless appealing stripe pattern. As the pictures on this page vividly illustrate, the perceived color of the teapot changes with the light and surroundings. The Siam Tee Signature Yuzamashi is 100% drip-free and in functional terms leaves nothing to wish for. What’s more, our cooling vessel also aestehtically is a real gem also. While the curved shape contributes to elegance, the unglazed design time emphasizes a rather robust appearance at the same time.

But why unglazed?

Well, why unglazed …. First of all, it were natural, unglazed works that had initially inspired me. On the one hand, because the natural clay greatly emphasizes the connection between the soil and the tea leaves. Then, because the desirable properties of clay with tea preparation will show best this way. And thirdly, I found the natural clay vessels simply incredibly beautiful and best reflecting the simple character of tea.

Please note ! Since each of our SiamTeas Signature Yuzamashi is individually hand-crafted, virtually every specimen is unique. Therefore, minor deviations in shape and capacity may occur between individual specimens.

Other elements of our SiamTeas Signature Tea Ceramics Line

Besides the Yuzamashi, our SiamTeas Signature Tea Ceramics line includes the following elements in orientation at the core requirements for the casual or ritual tea preparation:

• The SiamTeas Signature Shiboridashi 100ml, unglazed, fine light clay
• The SiamTeas Signature Teapot 200ml, unglazed, fine light clay
• SiamTeas Signature Shiboridashi Set 120ml, light grey clay with white interior and spontaneous glaze, set with tea cup
• The SiamTeas Signature Tea Cup 70ml, light grey clay with white interior glaze
• The SiamTeas Signature Shiboridashi 100ml, light grey clay with white interior glaze

Teapot, shibo and yuzamashi by Katja Junker are also available as an ensemble, of course coming with a price advantage:

• The SiamTeas Signature Tea Pottery Ensemble