{"product_id":"hobin-japanese-gyokuro-teapot","title":"Ice Crystal Houhin Japanese Gyokuro Teapot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis elegant porcelain hōhin is finished with a \u003cstrong\u003enatural ice crystal glaze\u003c\/strong\u003e, where delicate crystalline blooms form across the surface during the kiln firing. Each piece develops its own unique pattern, resembling \u003cstrong\u003efrost petals or snowflakes spreading across quiet white porcelain\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtle texture catches the light beautifully, revealing layers of crystalline growth inside the glaze. Paired with the clean, minimalist hōhin shape and integrated leaf filter, it offers both \u003cstrong\u003evisual serenity and precise control for brewing delicate teas.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA piece that feels calm, refined, and quietly mesmerizing—like \u003cstrong\u003ewinter captured in porcelain\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Houhin?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Houhin, also known as hohin, hobin, or houbin, is a Japanese teapot that is similar to the kyusu but without a handle. The name \"houhin\" is derived from the Japanese words \"hō\" (meaning \u003cstrong\u003etreasure\u003c\/strong\u003e) and \"hin\" (meaning \u003cstrong\u003ebottle\u003c\/strong\u003e), and reflects the tea pot's elegant and valuable design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe houhin is primarily used for \u003cstrong\u003ebrewing higher-grade teas\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as kabusecha, gyokuro, and competition-grade sencha, which require more precise brewing techniques. These teas are brewed at lower temperatures to bring out their delicate flavors and aromas, and the houhin's small size and handleless design make it an ideal vessel for achieving the perfect brew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the water used for brewing these teas is not as hot as other teas, \u003cstrong\u003ehouhin do not need handles.\u003c\/strong\u003e This design feature also allows for a more intimate and tactile brewing experience, as the user must hold the pot close to the body and rely on their sense of touch to gauge the water temperature and pour the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to their functional use in tea preparation, houhin is also prized for its \u003cstrong\u003eaesthetic appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e. They come in a range of materials and styles, from traditional unglazed clay to modern glass and ceramic designs. The houhin's simplicity and elegance make it a treasured addition to any tea lover's collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \"Hobin\" is produced by meisters in Hasami town, Nagasaki prefecture, where \u003cstrong\u003emore than 400 years\u003c\/strong\u003e of producing pottery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e4 inches x 2.5 inches tall \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 160ml\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e                  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tea and Whisk","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43914319888627,"sku":null,"price":148.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/9486\/0322\/files\/ice-crystal-houhin-japanese-gyokuro-teapot-1334038.jpg?v=1772929090","url":"https:\/\/teaandwhisk.com\/products\/hobin-japanese-gyokuro-teapot","provider":"Tea and Whisk","version":"1.0","type":"link"}