This expertly crafted Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) has a tall, cylindrical shape, and is made from hon-shudei (本朱泥) clay, the original unblended version of the iconic Tokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, known for its brick-red colour and ability to subtly reduce the astringency of tea. Compared to the modern blended varieties, hon-shudei has a softer colour and coarser texture.
The surface is unpolished and unsmoothed, in a style called sujihiki (筋引) which is a subtler variation of rokurome (ろくろ目 - potters' wheel marks) which shows the flow of the potter's fingers as they shaped the piece on the wheel.
The teapot's built-in ceramic debeso filter is perfect for naturally straining tea.
The kyusu comes in its original kiribako (桐箱 - paulownia wood box) signed and sealed by the artist.
