Tea Pot, Clay. Tokoname Japanese Kyusu

Kyusu are distinctive teapots commonly associated with Japanese tea culture. We are happy to present these authentic fine clayware kyusu imported from Tokoname, Japan. They feature a side-handle and built in mesh strainer. 

These beauties are perfectly suited for brewing small quantities of loose leaf green tea. Each teapot holds 12 oz (355mL), or enough for two 6oz servings. They are compact: measuring 6.5" in length by 3" in height. 

Available in red or black.

Brief History of this Style of Japanese Kyusu:

The iconic Japanese yokode kyusu, or side-handled teapot, is thought to have originated in China. They were introduced, along with tea culture, to Japanese diplomats on the tailwinds of many diplomatic missions between the two nations somewhere between 607 and 839 CE. Japanese artisans began to adapt the kyusu style to suit their own tastes and traditions around 1100 CE. 

There are six regions, each area centered around an historical kiln, or 'yaki', associated with the production of stoneware and ceramic in some cases as early as 8th century. Tokoname Yaki  is believed to be one of the oldest centralized kilns in all of Japan. Even today, the area is renowned for production of the highest quality clayware kyusu.

The most distinctive feature of the kyusu is that these teapots have a strainer built in which has been adapted to keep tea leaves out of the drinking cup. Some kyusu have ceramic strainers good for keeping larger bits or whole tea leaves from the  brew. Others have stainless steel mesh incorporated into the design, these are especially good for brewing green tea with fine particles like Konacha, Mechabud, and of course Gyokuro.