Why We Love It
This Kyusu Teapot (9.8oz/280ml) features exquisitely hand-painted plum blossom. The teapot is made of red Tokoname clay and has turned black due to reduction firing. Tenmoku glaze is the specialty of Shoryu Kiln: teapots are glazed with a special technique called yuteki (“oil drops”). Every teapot is unique and was fired five times: when the clay teapot was still red; then, to set the hand-painted flower; to add the oil drops glazing on the surface; to change the teapot’s color into black (reduction firing) and finally, to apply melted pure gold on the lid knob.
This teapot features a semi-handmade ceramic strainer, named sasame. Developed in Tokoname and made of clay, this filter has numerous tiny holes on its surface. The filter’s shape is manufactured by the artist, and the holes are made by using a special tool (puncher).
The tea leaves have room to spread in hot water, bringing the original taste and aroma of the tea. This traditional strainer can also be used with very fine tea leaves, such as deep-steamed tea (fukamushi sencha) but must be carefully cleaned to avoid clogging. It works perfectly with larger or curled tea leaves, such as tamaryokucha.
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 is handcrafted by Shoryu Kiln. Born in 1945, the potter Shoryu has been creating tea ware for more than 60 years. He even developed his own light clay, after years of research and development. In 2018, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, from the Japanese government for his notable contribution to the country’s traditional crafts.
Caring For Your Kyusu Teapot
After use, the teapot should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water, which will help it to dry faster. Store 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
- Handmade in Japan
- Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
- Handpainted design over yuteki (“oil drops”) glaze
- As each handmade product is unique, there may be small differences in size, color and pattern from the photographs above.
- Size: ⌀ 3.1” (8cm), width 5.1” (13cm), height 3.1” (8cm)
- Capacity: 9.8oz (280ml)
- Code: 94704BK
We are committed to providing fast and reliable delivery worldwide. All our products are shipped directly from Japan, with tracking provided for every order.
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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.
Customer Reviews
Excellently made, and meticulously packaged with tremendous care. Well worth the purchase.
My first Japanese clay and side handle teapot. The lid has a very short inner wall compared to typical Chinese purple clay teapot. But not a shortcoming, just different. However, it does make resting the lid (half tilt) on the teapot rather impossible which perhaps is a good thing as it reduce the chances of accidentally knocking off the lid. The hold is good, it fits nicely in my hand when moving and pouring one-handed. There is just one flaw on my teapot - the imprint of the seal under the teapot is half smudged. I would expect such costly teapot to come with a nice, clear seal.
Thank you for your lovely review, I'm happy that you have been enjoying the teapot! With regards to the potter's seal, the lightness and unevenness of the imprint is actually deliberate. Irregularity is prized in Japanese ceramics, so avoiding identically placed stamps is one way the artist is able to highlight the handmade nature of the piece.
