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
Free Shipping
- USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia: Enjoy FREE express shipping on all orders over $99!
- Australia, New Zealand, and India: Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders over $199 USD.
- Japan: Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders.
Shipping Times
- USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia: Orders usually arrive within 3-5 days after shipment.
- Australia, New Zealand, and India: Delivery is usually within a week, depending on local customs.
- Japan: Orders typically arrive within 24 hours after shipment.
- All other countries: Orders usually arrive within 4-5 days after shipment, depending on local customs.
Taxes
- Shipments from Japan may be subject to additional taxes and handling fees imposed by customs and mail carriers. Customers are responsible for these costs.
- Customs and import rules vary by country, for example the USA usually doesn’t charge any extra fees, but the EU sometimes does. See here for information on selected countries.
- If an order is returned due to refusal to pay local taxes or customs duties, the full two-way shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
- Shipments in the US may be subject to sales tax where mandated by federal and local authorities. Sales tax will be calculated at checkout.
- Shipments within Japan are subject to consumption tax, which is included in the price.
Shipping Locations
- All our products come to you from Japan.
- Especially for customers in the USA, we can now also ship some items from our location in California to ensure the fastest delivery!
Track Your Order
- Once your order has shipped, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to track your shipment.
- Please note that it is the customer's responsibility to track shipments. If an order is returned due to non-collection, the full two-way shipping costs will be deducted from any refund.
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 to our return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging.
- Items must be returned to their original shipping location (this is usually in Tokyo).
- Discounted items, or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for return or refund.
- The original outward shipping cost (the full amount that we paid to the courier) will be deducted from the refund.
- 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 free refund?
Please contact us and we will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
Please return the item folded in its original packaging and send your return by mail, marking “Returned Items” on the customs form. If you send your return by courier (DHL, FedEx, etc), or do not write “Returned Items” on the customs form, import duties may be levied which must be paid by the sender or subtracted from any refund.
Once we receive the returned item and have confirmed its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue a refund not including shipping costs or duties.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
We offer a full refund of the product, not including the original outward shipping costs. You must bear the cost of return shipping.
If you received the original order damaged, then we will also cover both the initial and the return shipping costs.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an unused and undamaged item, you can process the return as described above and reorder the new item through the website.
Alternatively, when you notify us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement, and we will hold it in stock for you until we receive the original return. Please note, there may be additional shipping costs.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally items may be damaged in transport. In the unlikely event that you item arrives in a damaged condition:
We ask that you contact us within 48 hours of receipt. This enables us to make a claim with the shipping company.
Please keep hold of the damaged item and provide some photos of the damage.
We will issue you with a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
How long will my refund take?
We will process the refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item.
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.
