How do you hold your Kyusu?

[Chip]

I was going to start a topic on this very subject, and was prompted to expedite it by a recent topic.

There are 4 common methods to hold a side-handled kyusu. How do you pour?



To see my answer, hit "Quote" and read it in the quotes.

This was given to me by Yuuki-Cha, but it is from the Tokoname site. The most common method and most natural is #2. I have used #1 for a short handled kyusu, and less often #3. #4 is obviously 2 handed.

[olivierco]

Usually #2
Sometimes #4 with my large kyuusu

[chingwa]

WOW... it's like a kyusu-kama-sutra. I'm going to have to try #1 when my wife gets home...

[chamekke]

Ask very nicely, and Chip might just share his etchings of left-handed kyuusu positions

[hooksie]

I alternate between 3 (with my index finger on the handle) and 4, depending on how full my kyusu is.

Gonna give 2 a shot next time, never really thought of that.

[danibob]

Always number 2. Just seems natural to me. I can see how you would have to change your hand placements based on the size and weight of the kyusu.

[Victoria]

Always number 2 for me also.
I don't think anyone instructed me,
I just picked it up that way from the begining.

[JustinW]

I usually use #4, but sometimes I use #2, except I put my thumb on the nob and slightly turn the kyusu inwards towards me.

[CutieAgouti]

Number 2, although sometimes four. Never figured to do it like #1

[teashionista]

Usually #3, but this may be because I've had a lot of practice with Yixing pots, and only got my first kyusu last month

I like that all pics feature different pots--now I *need* another kyusu to start practicing different methods

[Dreamer]

WOW... it's like a kyusu-kama-sutra. I'm going to have to try #1 when my wife gets home...

Ask very nicely, and Chip might just share his etchings of left-handed kyuusu positions

Etchings because actual photos might be too intense for some of our younger teachatters!!!

You guys are too funny tonight!!!

Meanwhile back at the poll...
Position #2 with my thumb on the knob...actually I thought that was how I was supposed to do it...I suppose if the vessel were larger or my hands were smaller I would use a two handed approach, but those other two ways look like I would be buying lots of pots!

Keep smiling,
Dreamer

[Chip]

Hmmm, "help wanted, left-handed hand model."

The photo was given to me by Yuuki-Cha, but it is from the Tokoname site. The most common method and most natural is #2, like shaking hands with your kyusu. I also will use this with thumb on the nob more times than not. I have used #1 for a short handled kyusu, and less often #3.

#4 is obviously 2 handed for chickens!!!

And note the hole position on the lids, pointing towards the spout, the way it was meant to be.

[Pentox]

I actually opt for none of the above. The way I hold it is closest to 2, but not quite. My kyusu is on the smaller side so I end up grasping closer to the body and not so much by the handle. While my thumb is on the lid I can wrap my fingers around to the bottom of the kyusu.

[trent]

I use #2, but w/ my thumb on the knob. I'm surprised they did't show it that way in the picture.

[iannon]

same here on the #2 with my thumb on the knob ..makes more sense to me then on a potentially hot lid