This is a Banko-yaki kyusu (teapot). It features a design with stamped seals, including one for Yotoken, among others. It's a rather interesting hand-pinched kyusu, and you can see the potter's fingerprints. There are no noticeable scratches, but it's likely an old piece. There are some irregularities on the rim and elsewhere due to the molding and firing process, but these are not scratches. Please refrain from purchasing this item if you are looking for perfection or are overly concerned about minor imperfections. The knob rotates freely. The dark marks seen on the body are likely due to pigments from the clay. About Banko-yaki: The historical transition of Banko-yaki is as follows: Mid-Edo Period - Origin (approx. 300 years ago): The wealthy merchant Numaba Ro-zan of Kuwana, driven by his passion for tea, built a kiln in Komukai, Asahi-cho, Mie Prefecture. He stamped his works with the seal "Banko Fueki" (meaning "eternal and unchanging"), wishing for his creations to last forever. Initially, tea ceramics and works with exotic patterns like sarasa (printed cotton) were popular. Late Edo Period - Revival: After Ro-zan's death, the kiln was once abandoned, but it was revived in the late Edo period by the antique dealers Mori Yusetsu and Senshu (Yusetsu Banko). With the popularity of sencha (steeped green tea), thin, purple clay (shidei) kyusu teapots using wooden molds were devised. Meiji Period - Development and Industrialization: Chuzan Yamanaka of Yokkaichi City introduced new techniques and established Banko-yaki as a profession for farmers suffering from floods. Semi-porcelain and colored products were developed, and exports increased with the opening of Yokkaichi Port. Post-War - Modern Era: In the 1950s, the technology for earthenware pots using heat-resistant materials (lithium ore) was established, establishing an overwhelming share of the market for household earthenware pots. In 1979, it was designated as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (Yokkaichi Banko-yaki). However, the industry is facing a turning point, facing a serious production challenge: the import ban of the raw material "petalite" (due to the lithium competition for EVs). Size: Approximately 7.5cm high, including the knob. By purchasing this item immediately, you are considered to have agreed to the condition. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings such as "it's different from what I expected." #YokkaichiBanko #YusetsuBanko #BankoYaki #KoBanko (Old Banko) #HandPinched #Ceramics #BankoFueki #Clay #Pottery #Tea #Aizu #Tohoku #Mingei (Folk Craft) #Yanagi Sōetsu