Expo 2005 - Teapot Stolen

A teapot created by living national treasure Jozan Yamada slated to be exhibited at the Aichi Expo was stolen in mid-March. En route from the Aichi Prefectural Ceramics Museum to the Expo's Reception Hall, it disappeared. The 10.7 cm diameter pot was entitled "Tokoname Shizen Yuchachu" (Tokoname naturally glazed teapot). It was valued at ¥250,000 ($2295) prior to Yamada's being named a national treasure, and would no doubt command much more on the black market today. Officials notified the police and apologized to the 80-year-old Yamada.

Images of Japan