Like a Phoenix ... rising from the (kiln) ashes ... the Teaware SOP returns with something new, something old.
In spectacular fashion, the TeaChat Special Offer Program resumes with a very special offering of 11 Tokoname Kyusu created by famous artisan Gisui (see his profile below). These are new creations, you may have seen some older Gisui Kyusu on Artistic Nippon's site recently. I have been looking for Gisui Kyusu for some time now for myself, they were virtually "unobtainium" at any price. There was one recently under TeaChat TeaSwap, and I am happy with one I purchased from another member.
Toru of Artistic Nippon at my urging went to Gisui's kiln/school looking for a Kyusu for me, maybe shudei (red clay), maybe mogake (seaweed wrapped kyusu which is then fired creating unique firing scores and markings).
I was not optimistic as I understood Gisui was retired from production and was enjoying his time teaching others at his kiln/school. In fact Toru stated when I asked, he had not seen any shudei nor mogake from Gisui.
But Toru surprised me with 11 Kyusu of 7 differing styles. Each one is quite unique, no two alike one-offs. Styles include honshudei, shudei, mogake, etc ... traditional with one whimsical exception!
Instantly I thought, wow, what a great possible opportunity to revive the SOP and "share some Gisui Kyusu love!"
I had planted seeds with Toru a few years ago, and he was now very interested in doing this with/for the TeaChat community members who have been generous to him over the years.
Further, Toru is offering these to TeaChat at prices far below what my research had found over the last year or so. I was expecting much higher prices. I believe the prices are extremely fair, reasonable for Gisui Kyusu! And for the record, I do not make money on this. Just sharing the teaware love!
