The Exotic Teapot

Shino glaze originated in the 16^th century, which ever since has been favoured by masters of tea ceremonies. It is believed shino is a variation of shiro, the Japanese word for white.  Originally artists painted under or over the white glaze with various shades of brown.  In the 1970’s, shino fire colours were introduced.  These included: flares of orange and gold; beaded surfaces, and; carbon trappings (specks of black).  Shino glaze experts now add even more pigments, such as this teapot made by Brent Johnson who specializes in Japanese folk pottery.