Ode to the Kyusu

by **Tead Off** » Jan 28th, '13, 06:36

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Tead Off » Jan 28th, '13, 06:36

GARCH wrote:
Alex wrote:Its gotta be. I watched one exactly the same as that get sold recently. Think it was 200-225ml. I wanted it but held off

Lovely pot

You held off and got another beauty with your preferred volume from Tachi Masaki

Some years ago, when I first posted about Hojo and his teaware, the universal shout from TeaChatter's was 'he's too expensive', 'overpriced', and all sorts of other objections. What happened?

by **Alex** » Jan 28th, '13, 09:18

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Alex » Jan 28th, '13, 09:18

Tead Off wrote:
GARCH wrote:
Alex wrote:Its gotta be. I watched one exactly the same as that get sold recently. Think it was 200-225ml. I wanted it but held off

Lovely pot

You held off and got another beauty with your preferred volume from Tachi Masaki

Some years ago, when I first posted about Hojo and his teaware, the universal shout from TeaChatter's was 'he's too expensive', 'overpriced', and all sorts of other objections. What happened?

Well I've never seen his prices as expensive myself (over other vendors). Probably due to living in the UK LOL.

Still....I try to pace myself a little to stop my wallet from hemorrhaging too much cash

Last edited by Alex on Jan 28th, '13, 11:43, edited 1 time in total.

by **Chip** » Jan 28th, '13, 10:51

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 28th, '13, 10:51

by **Chip** » Jan 28th, '13, 12:50

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 28th, '13, 12:50

Attempting to hide the Kyusu-s' source and artisan behind cups on TeaChat is useless ... you guys are too curious and sharp! :wink:

Yes, they are Shimizu Ken Kyusu-s from Hojo. I felt I had to try the "magic" clay ... his word in this case. We often poke some fun at Hojo, but I have to believe he is endeavoring to do more with clays than just about anyone else. Smoke and mirrors, fact or fiction?

I am not able to draw concrete ... er clay conclusions yet, but the journey into Sado and Nosaka clays has been interesting and ... ummm ... fun so far.

by **Chip** » Jan 28th, '13, 13:02

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 28th, '13, 13:02

I have stated previously (and purposely knowing I would receive these shortly) that I generally choose a kyusu based upon aesthetics, texture, size, shape ... with consideration given to the screen as well. Does it look great and appealing? And will it be functional as well?

I have never chosen a kyusu because it has x, y, or z clay.

For this "experiment," actually there were 4 chosen after careful consideration. I wanted to try a fairly broad range in this realm offered by Hojo.

by **GARCH** » Jan 28th, '13, 13:18

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by GARCH » Jan 28th, '13, 13:18

Chip wrote:I have stated previously (and purposely knowing I would receive these shortly) that I generally choose a kyusu based upon aesthetics, texture, size, shape ... with consideration given to the screen as well. Does it look great and appealing? And will it be functional as well?

I have never chosen a kyusu because it has x, y, or z clay.

For this "experiment," actually there were 4 chosen after careful consideration. I wanted to try a fairly broad range in this realm offered by Hojo.

Chip that's one awesome collection of pots! :mrgreen:

Looks like you're gonna have be spending quite a bit of time breaking in each of those pots

the duller red looking pot is the one with Namamigaki? Does it feel better in any sense?

by **Chip** » Jan 28th, '13, 13:26

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 28th, '13, 13:26

Sado Red reduction fired clay. This is the only Sado red clay kyusu selected ... 200 ml

Sado Nosaka Yellow clay. 200 ml There is very subtle "variegation streaking" The color is rather bright orange (some might say orange-red)

Sado Nosaka Yellow reduction fired clay. 200 ml The color is charcoal gray with quite a bit of "variegation streaking"

Sado Nosaka Yellow Clay with "Namamigaki." 100 ml It seems the Namamigaki has for some reason subdude the intensity of the orange after firing color. I also do not see the "variegation streaking" that I see in the other two Nosaka Yellow clay Kyusu-s.

by **Chip** » Jan 28th, '13, 13:32

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 28th, '13, 13:32

GARCH wrote:Chip that's one awesome collection of pots! Looks like you're gonna have be spending quite a bit of time breaking in each of those pots the duller red looking pot is the one with Namamigaki? Does it feel better in any sense?

Yes, the duller reddish orange one is with Namamigaki.

Already been breaking in the three 200 ml. The 100 ml Namamigaki is awaiting its maiden voyage.

by **Alex** » Jan 28th, '13, 14:23

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Alex » Jan 28th, '13, 14:23

Wow chip. That 200ml red one was the one I was eyeing....I think. Very nice shape on that pot.

What a set to receive in one go. Must have felt like X4 Christmases at once. They all look superb. Going to be a lot of fun breaking those in. Any initial thoughts on flavour through them yet? I found the red reduction clay very strong in the way it effect the brew.

by **Chip** » Jan 28th, '13, 16:32

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 28th, '13, 16:32

Too early to say, but front runners so far are the two Nosaka 200 ml, the one you were looking at and the reduction Nosaka. The one you were looking at handles even fukamushi pretty well due to its taller profile.

... actually there is a 5th Kyusu ... for another day ...

by **Tobias** » Jan 28th, '13, 17:28

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Tobias » Jan 28th, '13, 17:28

Chip wrote:3 little Touju ... when I like an artisan, I tend to rebuy and keep looking to add.

Nice, I was planning to get this one but someone beat me to it.

by **Poohblah** » Jan 29th, '13, 02:08

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Poohblah » Jan 29th, '13, 02:08

Tobias wrote:
Chip wrote:3 little Touju ... when I like an artisan, I tend to rebuy and keep looking to add.

Nice, I was planning to get this one but someone beat me to it.

He looks like a madman from the hills in that last photo

I love how the pots look like cast iron though!

by **Alex** » Jan 29th, '13, 04:30

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Alex » Jan 29th, '13, 04:30

Yeah that pot he's holding looks amazing.

by **Chip** » Jan 29th, '13, 08:52

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Chip » Jan 29th, '13, 08:52

Tobias wrote:
Chip wrote:3 little Touju ... when I like an artisan, I tend to rebuy and keep looking to add.

Nice, I was planning to get this one but someone beat me to it.

I was looking too ... :mrgreen:

Alex wrote:Yeah that pot he's holding looks amazing.

That kyusu mimicking a temple bell costs around 6-700 USD. Maybe more. Toru does offer a stripped down version for something like 285 USD. Still not cheap albeit, but he has sold at least 2 of them over the last month or two.

by **Alex** » Feb 1st, '13, 05:22

Re: Ode to the Kyusu

by Alex » Feb 1st, '13, 05:22

blairswhitaker wrote:I am still waiting on my new tachi masaki to arrive (paces impatiently and stares at mailbox.)

Are you still waiting?

Ode to the Kyusu

How many Kyusu do you own? And bonus question, how many do you use? So, 2 answers are permitted.