Tokoname MOTOZO Red & Black Small Eggplant Teapot

MOTOZO’s creativity was truly exceptional, giving rise to teapots in a remarkable variety of forms and textures. He worked with high-quality clay of a moist, smooth character and created many charming pieces inspired by familiar subjects, including animals and vegetables such as eggplants.

This teapot was formed from red clay (shudei) and, after the initial firing, underwent a smoking process during the second firing, producing a rich, deep black finish.

The calyx of the eggplant cleverly serves as the lid, transforming the entire teapot into the delightful form of a small eggplant. Placed on a table, its charming silhouette brings a warm and playful presence to the space. The texture and detailed pattern of the lid are particularly appealing, and its small sculptural form makes it delightful not only as a functional teapot but also as a decorative object.

Warm, charming, and full of MOTOZO’s distinctive character, this teapot would make a wonderful addition to any collection.

Fitted with a generously sized tea strainer, the teapot pours smoothly and is comfortable to use. Until his passing in 2019, MOTOZO remained deeply devoted to teapot making, continually exploring new ideas, forms, and expressions. We are profoundly grateful for the remarkable body of work he left behind.

MOTOZO was one of the distinguished teapot masters active during Japan’s Showa and Heisei eras.

Artist: Motozo Kameoka 1950-2019
Capacity:   Approx. 130ml
Box: Paper