gloss; sheen (of unglazed pottery)
Refers to the subtle, natural luster or surface quality of unglazed pottery, often appreciated in tea ceremony and traditional ceramics. The cross-reference to 艶 (つや) suggests a similar visual effect, but 土味 is specific to the earthy, matte-like sheen of clay.
See also: 艶 (つや)
This tea bowl has a beautiful earthy sheen.
Enjoy the natural gloss of the pottery.
Compound of 土 (つち, 'earth, soil') and 味 (あじ, 'taste, flavor'), literally 'earth flavor'. The term metaphorically extends 'taste' to the visual and tactile quality of clay surfaces.