Where Seaweed Meets Clay ‐ Japan Tokoname Mogake Teapots

These teapot from Tokoname (Japan) features a traditional technique known as Mogake “seaweed wrapping” a method born from a close relationship with nature.

The organic patterns that appear on the body of the teapot are created by wrapping real seaweed around the clay before firing (You can see it in the video).

This technique is unique to Tokoname, a town facing the sea, and can be traced back as far in 1800s.

Spring seaweed is especially soft and fine, producing delicate, graceful patterns once fired. No two designs are ever the same, and each artist brings their own sensibility and intention to the way the seaweed is selected and wrapped.

The most challenging part of this process is keeping the seaweed secured to the teapot body until the pattern is set. One potter explained, “Sometimes the seaweed can even be blown off during firing.” The beauty of each piece is shaped by years of experience.

Created from seaweed harvested in the waters of Tokoname and clay taken from its land, these teapot feels truly unified with nature—an object that grows more beloved the more it is used, quietly aging alongside its owner.

Thank you for your reading.

SHIHA TEAPOT SHOP
https://shihateapot.com