Futa Oki: Ceramic, Shino Ware

A Shino ware futa-oki shows the color and texture Shino is famous for.  Low firing doesn't enable the glaze to fully flow, so it is slightly pitted.  The iron in the glaze also gives it a slightly reddish color where it oxidizes the most.

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This striking Japanese futa-oki features a distinctive "tetsu-e" (iron decoration)-style glaze, showcasing a dense pattern of rusty-orange iron speckles against a warm ivory base. This technique resembles Nabeshima or Ko-Imari iron-oxide decoration, but in this case, it is fully abstract and textural rather than painted.

The material and finish suggest it may be a form of stoneware with a high-iron glaze, possibly produced in a kiln influenced by modern Shino or Hagi traditions, where feldspar-rich glazes interact with iron content to create surface effects like this characteristic orange “freckling.” The subtly irregular cylindrical form and glaze texture also make it visually engaging while remaining functional.

Traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, a futa-oki rests the lid of the kettle (kama) or the hishaku (ladle) during service. This piece offers both practical use and aesthetic presence, making it suitable for both daily practice and formal temae.

Item Code: FTO-007
Category: Tea Ceremony Utensils (Dogu) – Futa-oki
Material: Glazed Stoneware
Glaze Style: Iron-oxide speckle (possible Shino/Hagi influence)
Origin: Japan (exact kiln unverified)