SUIGETSU TOEN
Coporate Profille
Bankoyaki is known as the symbolic product of the local traditional industry in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. The first generation of the products, Suigetsu, started from 1869 (second year of Meiji era). It began the creation of teapots using the wooden mould called Banko, an idea that came up in the Edo era. Banko becomes the synonym for this type of teapot. During the second generation of Suigetsu (1901 ~ 1990), potters’ wheels were used instead of wooden materials. In the warehouse located in Minami Ikagarucho, the third generation Shimizu Suigetsu inherited the traditional technique and keep producing ceramics with his wife and two sons.
Story
In the Edo era, a wealthy merchant in Kuwana town, Rozan Nunami, started the pottery business in Asahi, Mie Prefecture. In fact, the name Banko yaki or Banko ware originates from pieces he made himself. He stamped them with bankofueki, or literally “eternity, constancy”, hoping they would be handed down through endless generations after he was gone. However after his death, Bankoyaki disappeared for some time until 1852 (Third year of Tenpo era). Yusetsu Mori and the Chiaki Brothers revived the creation of teapots using the wooden mould Banko. Bankoyaki was appointed officially as a Japanese traditional craft in 1979. Apart from teapots, other noted products are heat-resistant earthen pots and Kayariki, an insect repellent container made into the shape of pigs.
Interview
Although the traditional craftsmanship of Bankoyaki survived, it is still not an accessible commodity for the general public. We have preserved the essence of Bankoyaki that has been brought down from earlier generations, and innovated the products by using our original sandblast method to add illustrations such as patterns of stripes and cranes to the body. We are always sharping our design ethics, as well as keep up with the latest design trends. Our designers also draw inspirations from diverse classical arts form from galleries and exhibitions.
Recommendation
Suigetsu Touen makes teapots, incense burners, vases and a type of wine cups called guinomi. Every product is handmade, so the size, measurements and designs are exquisite. Our leading teapots are not only breath-taking art pieces, but also light and handy utensils convenient for daily use. This is due to the special technique and materials applied during the production process.
The soil used to make the teapots is clay that is taken locally. There is a high amount of iron in the local clay, which could enhances the gloss texture and absorb the bitterness of the tea. Also, it has been proven by Mie Manufacturing Research Institute that compared to glass or metallic products, our teapots are able to bring out the richness flavour of Japanese tea.
Shimizu Suigetsu attempts to enhance his products’ quality by introducing designs using original techniques. The sandblast method started about 20 years ago is a technique of blowing sand onto the surface of the teapot. As a result, three layers are formed -an untouched layer, a layer that is carved and a layer that is covered by sand illustrations. Through this technique varying colours of striped patterns and crane designs can be expressed freely on the body of ware piece.
