DESIGN /
FEATURES
May 1, 2023
Designed by Fumie Shibata, the 'warenai' teapot, virtually unbreakable, is complete | racu
racu | Raku
A Teapot That Enhances Tea's Flavor While Being User-Friendly and Durable
Susumuya Chaten, a specialty Japanese tea shop based in Kagoshima and Tokyo, offers only the highest quality tea leaves. They have now launched a new tea ware brand, 'racu,' with renowned product designer Fumie Shibata, centered on the concept of 'tools for enjoying Japanese tea more easily.'
Text by WAKABAYASHI Satsuki
At Susumuya Chaten, with the aim of 'democratizing delicious Japanese tea = creating an environment where it can be enjoyed anytime,' they began conceptualizing a new tea ware brand in 2020, led by representative Kōtarō Niihara. The brand name 'racu' embodies the sentiment, 'Japanese tea should be easier. It should be enjoyed purely.' Product design was commissioned to product designer Fumie Shibata.
Particular attention has been paid to the teapot. Susumuya Chaten has previously developed and sold ceramic teapots, but they received many user comments about chips and cracks caused by accidental drops. To solve this problem, they adopted 'Tritan resin,' developed by a company that manufactures medical devices. This material, known for its high impact resistance, durability, heat resistance, transparency, and safety, has been masterfully combined with Shibata's aesthetic design, resulting in the creation of the 'warenai' teapot, which is difficult to break.
In addition to ease of use, the design focuses on drawing out the tea's flavor. The wide base allows tea leaves to unfurl easily, and the fine-mesh strainer ensures that even the last drop, rich in umami, can be extracted. Furthermore, it is easy to clean and dries quickly. The main body is manufactured by Ishikawa Resin Kogyo Co., Ltd. in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
The 'warenai' teapot will be released on April 28th. The 'itsumo' teacup and 'kirei' canister are scheduled for release at the end of May. We look forward to future developments.
warenai
Size | W (including handle) 17.5 × H9cm
Capacity | Approx. 350ml *Full capacity Color: Clear
Price | ¥4,840
Size | W (including handle) 17.5 × H9cm
Capacity | Approx. 350ml *Full capacity Color: Clear
Price | ¥4,840
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