About Nosaka Rough Clay Reduction Firing by Tozo Watanabe

Tozo Watanabe

This page introduces "Nosaka Rough Clay Reduction Firing", reduction-fired teaware made by Tozo Watanabe of Sado Island from a clay called Nosaka.

Effect on taste

This clay enhances both the finish and the body, giving tea greater richness, a smooth feel as you swallow, and a broad, soft, airy feel across the palate. Compared with oxidation-fired Nosaka, reduction-fired Nosaka gives tea a longer finish and a slightly gentler body. However, since Nosaka clay naturally gives tea a very strong body, even this gentler version is still full-bodied.

This clay works well with all types of tea, including black tea, Japanese tea, raw and ripe Pu-erh, white tea, Phoenix Dan Cong oolong, Anxi oolong and Wuyi oolong.

How to choose the tools and water that shape the taste of tea