The Starter Kyusu Thread

[edkrueger]

So, I've noticed that many kyusu are very expensive for people just starting with Japanese Green Tea. The purpose of this tread is to organize some kyusu by price points. I will include shipping to the US in the price, the cheapest option available. If you find others, please post. Nothing here will be over $50 shipped. Here is a start.

Less than $25
From Den's Tea:
Shincha Teapot @ $24
Teapot Kokoro @ $24
Teapot Yutori @ $24

Less than $50
From Yuuki Cha:
Tetsu Banko Teapot @ 27.80
Tochiri Banko Teapot @ 29.80
Marukago Tokoname Teapot @ $32.80
Classic Tokoname Teapot @ $32.80
Kinchaku Banko Yaki Teapot @ $37.80
Nerikomi Komaru Tokoname Teapot @ $39.80
Zara-Zara Tokoname Teapot @ $40.80
Midori Momiji Tokoname Teapot @ $40.80
Momiji Tokoname Teapot @ $41.80
Swirl Tokoname Teapot @ $43.80
Midori Tokoname Teapot @ $45.80
Cherry Blossom Tokoname Teapot @ $47.80
Kuromatsu Tokoname Teapot @ $47.80
Itome Tokoname Teapot @ $47.80
Nagarebiri Banko Yaki Teapot @ $47.80

From Rishi:
Plum Blossom Teapot @ $38.01
Tea Flower Teapot @ $38.01
Hiramaru @ $46.01
Fukugata @ $48.01

[tenuki]

I have found ordering direct from Tokoname to be the best method. Look at their gallery or their 2010 online catalog and then email for a quote with the pot number.

Any teapot there under about 4000 yen will probably be under 50 bucks to the US after shipping. The last pot I got from them was 40 bucks shipped (see image below). Just ask for a quote prior to purchase as well as the filter style, volume of the pot, etc. I've usually gotten at least 20% off catalog price too btw and EMS shipping seems to always be the best option..

[Geekgirl]

LOVE the tokonome teapot catalog, but it should be pointed out that if you are particular about the filter in your teapot, you have to ask before you buy. I've learned that the little picture of the filter in the top corner of the page does not necessarily correlate with ALL of the pots on that page.

[Dresden]

O-Cha.com has a nice selection of pots under $40. Here is the one I got for $32.95 before shipping.

[iheartea]

Please help me understand the difference between a teapot and a kyusu.

[iannon]

Please help me understand the difference between a teapot and a kyusu.

there isn't..a Kyusu IS a teapot.. just a Japanese style one

[iheartea]

Please help me understand the difference between a teapot and a kyusu.

there isn't..a Kyusu IS a teapot.. just a Japanese style one

To steep Japanese green tea, is there a preferred inner lining material? Also, what is tokoname? Thanks, Iannon!

[Chip]

Tokoname is a small city, situated in central Japan (right next to the newly built Centrair airport). Most of the houses in the historical area were traditionally painted black, so that they did not show the dirt from kiln fumes. It is said that Tokoname people did not realize that sparrows weren't black until they went to the next town and saw their true color. Nowadays, the black fumes which used to envelop the town are no longer evident., but the atmosphere and character of Tokoname's heyday lives on.

Tokoname means many things, often a style and clay is indicated by the general use of the name. It can be a fully hand made kyusu to a mass produced one, but Tokoname is known for its hand made pieces. It is supposedly home to the oldest kilns in Japan.

They are the bread and butter of kyusu-s.

Most Tokoname kyusu are unglazed clay, inside and out. I have both glazed and unglazed. The glazed is a little easier to care for, but unglazed is generally preferred. I personally have no problem either way.

[michaelb3600]

A close friend gifted this to me for my birthday from ArtOfTea.com:
http://www.artoftea.com/catalog/japanes ... 715447ed1b



Retails for $45 with cups.

It's a purple clay set that (supposedly) absorbs some tannen from your tea and reduces bitterness. Maybe someone with some more tea expertise can validate that, but we've enjoyed it so far. It has a tiny little filter oround the inner spout though, and i'd prefer a larger one like the o-cha pot pictured above. Good value though!