This yakishime hira-gata Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made from a grey-beige Tokoname clay, which has similar properties as the iconic red shudei (朱泥).
This kyusu's wide, flat shape and small size are specially designed to promote even contact between the leaves and the water, aiding the extraction of umami from high-grade sencha and gyokuro. It boasts a wide top opening so you can watch the leaves unfurl as they steep and clean them out more easily. This shape's sharp corners are prone to cracking under stress during the throwing and firing processes, so only extremely talented artisans can create them consistently.
The teapot's built-in ceramic sasame filter is perfect for naturally straining tea. Please note: A flat kyusu requires very gentle and slow pours to avoid leaks around the lid. It takes a bit of practice to get familiar with compared to the larger, rounder kyusu with a more elevated spout.
This piece was made by the highly-respected Gyokko (玉光) Kiln, manned by the master potters of the Umehara family. As these are handmade pieces, there may be slight variations in the shape and colouration.
