Toronto potter Hector Konomi has published a new issue of his Substack newsletter, The Clay Letter: New Arrivals: Akitsu Mumyoi and Nosaka Rough Clay. In it, Hector Konomi shares what he has learned from making, firing and brewing tea in two rare unglazed clays from Sado Island, now in his Toronto studio. You can find more of his work and writing at hectorkonomi.com.
The newsletter takes a hands-on approach, with notes from the brewing table. Hector compares oxidation and carbonized reduction firing for each clay: iron-red Akitsu Mumyoi gives oolong and black tea a balanced, confident body, and its reduction-fired form makes room for aged and fermented teas. Nosaka Rough Clay amplifies body in oxidation, and in reduction it gives a broad cup with a gentle sweetness in the finish. The issue also covers yunomi and mugs in both clays, a good starting point for anyone new to unglazed Japanese teaware.
The new Akitsu Mumyoi and Nosaka teapots, cups and mugs are available in limited quantities. If you’re in Toronto, you can see current inventory, firing notes and studio details on Hector Konomi’s Toronto site, hectorkonomitoronto.com. Read the full newsletter issue on Substack, and subscribe there for future issues.
To follow Hector Konomi’s work from Toronto, see new pieces and studio photos on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn. His research on Japanese clay bodies, firing atmosphere and tea flavour is registered under his ORCID iD, 0009-0007-8656-5000.