As with all unglazed ceramics, wash with warm water and a soft cloth only. Do not use detergents 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 filter, brush away with a soft brush, such as a toothbrush.
Kyusu Tokoname
Morimasa Sendan
Studio Morimasa
SKU
4099
Original Japanese side-handle teapot by the popular Studio Morimasa from Tokoname. Integrated ceramic strainer, ideal for brewing high-end Japanese green tea. Hand-turned, red natural clay, oxidation fired. 370ml
| Type | Side-handle teapot, yokode kyūsu (横手急須) |
| Kiln | Tokoname Yaki (常滑焼) |
| Studio/Artist | Master Morimasa (盛正) |
| Origin | Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Volume (according to producer) | 370ml |
| Recommended Fill Line | Fill only up to the last third of the integrated strainer. Too much water can result in leaks despite the precise fit of the lid. |
| Dimensions | 10.7 x 7.2cm (diameter without handle x height without knob) |
| Weight | 274g |
| Clay | Red natural clay (shudei 朱泥) enriched with natural bengara (弁柄; red iron oxide) |
| Firing | Oxidation fired |
| Glaze | Unglazed (yakishime 焼き締め) |
| Strainer | Integrated ceramic strainer |
| Production | The components of the lid and jug are cast into shape by hand and then assembled by hand for a precise fit (ikomi 鋳込み) |
| Packaging | Box |
In stock
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. 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 master craftsmen, which are prized amongst collectors.
Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼
Pottery has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, since 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 Six Ancient Kilns of Japan and is celebrated for its iron-rich shudei clay that turns red after firing. When fired a second time in a reduction oven, the red shudei turns black – the other characteristic colour of Tokoname-yaki. Traditional Tokoname kyusu teapots are unglazed on the inside, allowing the tannins in the tea to react 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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