Kasumi 霞 Katakuchi — Shitoro-yaki by Rito Aoshima

Named Kasumi, the Japanese word for mist, this piece is defined by the quiet clarity of its glaze. The pared-back white surface lets the form itself — and the color of the tea — take center stage.

The katakuchi solves a simple problem in matcha preparation: sharing beyond a single bowl. Where a traditional chawan makes pouring imprecise, the katakuchi's subtle spout allows matcha to be poured cleanly into smaller cups, minimizing waste and keeping the tea intact. It's especially suited for serving matcha to more than one person.

The interior offers enough room for proper whisking, while the spout brings precision and intention to the pour. Beyond matcha, it also works as a yuzamashi (water-cooling vessel) pour hot water in, let it cool to temperature, then transfer to your teapot, a common step when brewing Japanese green teas.

Handcrafted in the Shitoro-yaki tradition of Shizuoka, Japan — a 900-year-old pottery lineage — by Rito Aoshima, a second-generation potter continuing his father's studio and Noborigama (rising kiln) practice.

• Origin: Shizuoka, Japan
• Tradition: Shitoro-yaki
• Potter: Rito Aoshima, 2nd generation
• Kiln: Noborigama (rising kiln)
• Dimensions: 5.5" diameter x 2.5" height
• Capacity: Holds up to 10 fl oz (300ml); ~3 fl oz (90ml) recommended for whisking matcha
• Material: Ceramic
• Care: Hand wash only. Do not use a harsh scrubber. Not dishwasher or microwave safe.

As each piece is handcrafted, slight variations in glaze and form are part of its character — no two are exactly alike.