Why We Love It
This Tokoname Teapot Set by Ukou features a kyusu teapot (12oz/360ml) and two teacups with an exquisite green decoration. The teapot and the teacups are made of red Tokoname clay and have turned black due to reduction firing. They are sprinkled with green clay, creating a distinctive texture. The inside of the teacups is painted in sumi-e style white brush to accentuate the color of the tea.
The teapot is equipped with an obi chakoshi (belt strainer): a stainless-steel net covering the inner circumference of the teapot. The tea leaves have room to spread in hot water, enhancing the original taste and aroma of the tea. The flow is smooth and not obstructed by tea leaves when pouring. This fine mesh net is excellent for use with very fine tea leaves, such as deep-steamed tea (fukamushi sencha).
This teapot is suitable for any types of tea. Sencha (middle- to high-grade green tea) and kariganecha (high-grade stem tea) are especially recommended.
Why Choose a Teapot from Tokoname
Tokoname teapots and teacups are lightweight, resistant, smooth, and particularly easy to use. Green tea enthusiasts swear by the taste that Tokoname clay imparts to the tea. It is said that the iron contained in Tokoname clay softens the astringency and adds roundness to Japanese green tea. Moreover, Tokoname teapots take on a patina over time: the tea brewed in these kyusu gains in quality. Each teapot is fired with its lid placed on. Consequently, the lids are extremely airtight.
Tokoname-yaki ware is produced in the area around the town of Tokoname, in Aichi prefecture, and is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. Tokoname is the center of teapot production in Japan: nowadays, there are numerous kilns in activity, with artisans still pursuing traditional techniques.
This teapot and teacup set is handcrafted by Ukou kiln, which has been making tea ware since 1972. Their obi chakoshi (belt strainer) was patented in 1987. In recent years, the kiln has received several awards including the coveted Omotenashi Selection.
Caring For Your Kyusu Teapot
After use, the tea set should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water, which will help it to dry faster. Store the teapot in a well-ventilated area, and do not replace the lid before the inside is completely dry. Pay attention to the interior of the spout, which remains wet for a long time.
Details
- Kyusu teapot and two teacups
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- As each handmade product is unique, there may be small differences in size, color and pattern from the photographs above.
- Teapot: ⌀ 4.3” (11cm), width 7.1” (18cm), height 3.3” (8.5cm), capacity 12oz (360ml)
- Teacups: ⌀ 3.5” (9cm), height 2.2” (5.5cm)
- Code : 94411GN
We are committed to providing fast and reliable delivery worldwide. All our products are shipped directly from Japan, with tracking provided for every order.
United States
All taxes and duties included. No extra charges on delivery.
- STANDARD 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99.
- EXPRESS 3–5 days: Your shipping rate is shown at checkout.
European Union & United Kingdom
- STANDARD · VAT & duties not included · 5–8 days: FREE shipping on orders over $99. Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery.
- EXPRESS · VAT & duties included · 3–5 days: Your final total is shown at checkout, with no extra charges on delivery.
Sending a gift? Choose Express to ensure your recipient has no import charges to pay.
Other Destinations
Taxes and duties may be payable before or upon delivery. For more information, please see Taxes & Duties.
- Canada, Australia, Middle East & East Asia · 3–5 days: FREE Express shipping on orders over $99.
- New Zealand & India · Within 1 week: FREE shipping on orders over $199.
- Japan · Next business day: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Taiwan: FREE shipping on all orders.
- Other countries · 4–5 days: Shipping rates shown at checkout.
All delivery times are estimates in business days from dispatch.
If you would like to return your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns within 30 days of receiving your order.
Please note the following conditions for our 30-day return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location. We will confirm the return address for you.
- Discounted items or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- Original taxes, duties, and outward shipping costs—the full amount we paid to the carrier, including on orders with free shipping—will be deducted from the refund. This includes VAT collected at checkout for EU & UK Express shipping.
- The customer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses and duvets, mattress/duvet covers, or tatami mats.
How do I claim my return?
- Please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order.
- We will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
- Please return the item folded in its original packaging to the address we provide.
- Please send your return by normal mail (not courier), marking “Returned Items” on the customs form when returning to Japan. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) or do not mark “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be charged. These may be payable by you or deducted from your refund where permitted by law.
- Once we receive the returned item and confirm its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue your refund, subject to the deductions described above.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
For change-of-mind returns, the original outward shipping cost paid to the carrier will be deducted from your refund, including on orders that qualified for free shipping. You are also responsible for return shipping costs.
If your order arrived damaged, we will cover both the original and any required return shipping costs.
If a package is refused due to unpaid duties or taxes, outbound and return shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an eligible, unused and undamaged item, you can follow the return process above and order your replacement through our website.
Alternatively, when you contact us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement. We will hold it for you until we receive your return, subject to availability. Additional shipping costs may apply.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally, items may be damaged in transit. If your item arrives damaged, we're here to help:
- Please contact us as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of receipt. This helps us make a claim with the shipping company.
- Please keep the damaged item and its packaging, and send us some photos of the damage.
- We will arrange a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
The requested 48-hour notification period does not affect your statutory rights.
How long will my refund take?
We will process your refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item. Your payment provider may take additional time to credit your account.
