Recommend some teaware: I only want ONE pot

[Chip]

I have mine on a part of the windowsill defended by some seriously spiky cacti, so it's not likely to get whacked.

Seriously, Koi walks right across cacti, actually succulent Euphorbias, that fill a windowsill ...

[debunix]

Emily respects the cacti, fortunately.

[debunix]

Emily respects the cacti, fortunately. You can see one right behind here here:

[Mr. Usaji]

Luckily I don't have any cats, but I'm good enough at breaking things that I don't need their help.

I'm actually considering the "Ushiro De" (back-handle) kyusu from Den's Tea (denstea.com/index.php?cPath=275_497), because the Shincha/Kokoro/Yutori are pretty small and that one's a bit bigger. It also has a strainer on the spout; I don't know if that's any better than the obi in terms of "growing things." I just found out how to post pictures:

The only problem is that it looks like the inside might be unglazed:



I sent them a question about it.

I've checked other Japanese online stores (O-Cha, Hibiki-an, Yuuki-Cha, Zencha, Chado Teahouse), but I can't find any other cheap glazed kyusu. Is there anywhere else to look?

[Chip]

Den's is where I send peeps looking for an inexpensive yet very functional kyusu. I have not found a decent kyusu for less.

The screen in the above kyusu comes out easily, but again can get messed up if done a lot, thus allowing more and more leaf to pass where the screen and kyusu meet.

[Tead Off]

Luckily I don't have any cats, but I'm good enough at breaking things that I don't need their help.

I'm actually considering the "Ushiro De" (back-handle) kyusu from Den's Tea (denstea.com/index.php?cPath=275_497), because the Shincha/Kokoro/Yutori are pretty small and that one's a bit bigger. It also has a strainer on the spout; I don't know if that's any better than the obi in terms of "growing things." I just found out how to post pictures:

The only problem is that it looks like the inside might be unglazed:



I sent them a question about it.

I've checked other Japanese online stores (O-Cha, Hibiki-an, Yuuki-Cha, Zencha, Chado Teahouse), but I can't find any other cheap glazed kyusu. Is there anywhere else to look?

Let me suggest something a bit more aesthetically pleasing and practical at the same time. It will cost you a little more but in the long run, you won't want to replace it and spend more money.

There are 2 potters that have listings in the Teaware artisan section of the index here, Petr Novak from Czech Rep. and Seong-il from Korea. Both make great teapots, glazed, and, handmade one of a kinds. They are not very expensive and you can brew all kinds of tea in them. They have built in filters, not metal, so cleaning is never a problem, and, you can choose what pleases you in style. No, I'm not their agent, just a fan and satisfied customer.

[britt]

I would have recomended an infuser mug except the holes in the infuser basket are usually too big for some teas and too much leaf slips through. I think you have the right idea if the one you've chosen is glazed inside. You should be able to brew just about anything in it and the mesh screen should be fine enough to keep most of the leaves in the pot.

[Mr. Usaji]

Den's Tea responds that the pot is not glazed, and also says:

In my opinion, Japanese teapot does not absorb the smell or color of tea much like Chinese teapot even if the inside is not glazed. So you could brew all kinds of tea with this teapot, as long as you rised well or you don't use it for strong scented tea.

True?

[Chip]

Den's Tea responds that the pot is not glazed, and also says:

In my opinion, Japanese teapot does not absorb the smell or color of tea much like Chinese teapot even if the inside is not glazed. So you could brew all kinds of tea with this teapot, as long as you rised well or you don't use it for strong scented tea.

True?

It is hard to keep track of 3 rather similar current topics.

This is actually discussed in this topic ... http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 46#p165876

I think Den addresses a relativity issue. Relative to Yixing, I would agree 100%, it absorbs much less, which is somewhat what he is saying.

I think it will also vary from pot/clay to pot/clay. I relayed my personal experience in the linked topic, but that was a pretty extreme scenario, that kyusu was used constantly and for anything and everything except (as Den agrees) scented or flavored teas, I would also include the roasted tea such as houjicha in this exclusion.

[Mr. Usaji]

Sorry, I didn't see that other topic! Since I plan to do exactly what you did with your unglazed pot, I think I'll go with a glazed one.

I wonder if people in Japan (who aren't tea enthusiasts) brew sencha and hojicha, genmaicha, etc. or even black/oolong tea all in the same pot.