Katakuchi 片口 — Shitoro-yaki by Rito Aoshima

A spouted matcha bowl by Rito Aoshima — a second-generation potter working in the Shitoro-yaki tradition of Shizuoka, a style with over 900 years of history. His studio was built around a noborigama rising kiln, fired at extreme temperatures that give each piece its depth and character.

The katakuchi form solves a practical problem elegantly. Unlike a traditional chawan, the subtle spout allows matcha to be poured cleanly into smaller cups or shared between vessels — minimizing waste and preserving the integrity of the tea. It also doubles as a yuzamashi, cooling hot water to the precise temperature needed before brewing.

The deep matte black glaze — rich and uneven in the way only hand-firing can produce — makes every piece entirely its own.

Origin: Shizuoka, Japan
Tradition: Shitoro-yaki
Potter: Rito Aoshima, 2nd generation
Kiln: Noborigama (rising kiln)
Capacity: 300ml / 10 oz
Recommended for matcha: 90ml / 3 oz
Dimensions: 5.5" diameter · 2.5" height
Care: Hand wash only. No dishwasher or microwave.

Each piece varies slightly — the nature of hand-firing.