Dealers and producers of Tokoname pottery, one of the six oldest types of potteries in Japan, are turning to Russia to market their teapots. They recently held the first teapot exhibition in Moscow, and sold 30 pieces in two days.
They're eager to gain a strong foothold in Russia's vast untapped market and woo fans to their brand originating in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, before other pottery-producing areas join in.
Tokoname teapot artisans Seiho Tsuzuki, 71, and Shoji Umehara, 70, went to Moscow along with Satoshi Mizukami, 70, owner of pottery dealer Kofuen Mizukami, to organize the exhibition.