As for all unglazed ceramics, wash with warm water and a soft cloth only. Do not use washing-up liquid or put in the dishwasher. Pat the outside dry with a towel and/or leave the Kyusu to air dry naturally with the lid off. If tea leaves get trapped in the strainer, brush away with a soft brush, such as a toothbrush.
Kyusu Tokoname
Tenmoku
Shoryu
SKU
0438
A small, round Japanese side-handle Kyusu handcrafted by Certified Traditional Craftsman, Shoryu, featuring his signature Tenmoku oil spot effect with an iridescent matte black sheen. Made from Tokoname clay, designed for brewing premium Japanese green teas.
| Item | Kyusu teapot |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tokoname, Aichi, Japan |
| Artist | Shōryū / Shoji Umehara |
| Colour | Dark silver |
| Volume | 230ml |
| Dimensions | Ø8.2 x H8cm |
| Material | Ceramic, unglazed |
| Strainer | Ceramic mesh |
| Artist mark | Seal below handle |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore colour, volume and dimensions may vary slightly
In stock
Shōryū 昭龍
Born in Tokoname in 1945, Shōji Umehara (梅原昭二) studied under Hokuryū until 1978, when he became independent and took on the name Shōryū. He became a Certified Traditional Craftsman in 1994, and has won numerous awards including the Choza Prize, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award as well as the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette.
Kyusu 急須
The traditional Japanese teapot, Kyusu are typically made of ceramics with a side handle placed at a 90° angle to the spout for ease of pouring – however the handle can also be found over the top or in the back. Kyusu are perfect for preparing green teas and tend to be on the small side to prevent overbrewing. Depending on the size, shape and type of clay a Kyusu is made from will determine what type of tea is best prepared in it. There are many different regional styles as well as Kyusu made by certified Traditional Craftsmen, which are prized amongst collectors.
Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼
Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi prefecture, as far back as the 12th century, and since 1976 has been protected as a Traditional Craft of Japan. Tokoname was the site of the largest and oldest of the legendary Rokkoyō (六古窯): the “Six Ancient Kilns” of Japan, and is celebrated for its iron-rich Shudei clay that turns a bright red after firing. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red Shudei turns black – another characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki. High-fired at temperatures of around 1100°C and left unglazed (Yakishime, 焼き締め), this allows tannins in the tea to interact with the iron in the clay body, which is said to reduce astringency and highlight the sweetness of green teas. Another key feature of these Kyusu are the perfectly fitting lids, which are ground into the clay body after firing in a technique known as Suriawase.
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