I've been lurking this forum (and Hojo's site, and a dozen others) for the past few weeks trying to become as knowledgeable as possible about, what is to me, the next level of tea enjoyment.
I've been brewing bulk tea for a couple years now, but mostly retail tins by The Tea Spot and Rishi. It was actually from looking at teapots on Rishi's site that I've fallen into this rabbit whole of brewing.
It's a little overwhelming, to say the least.
So, after browsing hundreds of yixings and kyusus I think I've narrowed my choices down to a few. I don't want to invest too much too soon, as I still need to do some sampling.
(Once I get my tax return, the plan is to get a sample of 4 senchas and 4 oolongs. I would try some Puerh samples, but I currently have a large tin of an unknown variety I bought at the local Asian Market that I'd like to finish.)
Which of the following do you recommend? Should I just wait until I've tried the samples before investing in a pot, or is it a good idea to get the pot first, so I can have something to mellow the tastes?
Thank you for your advice!
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Sado Clay Kyusu at HOJO.
"Black?" Clay Kyusu at Tokoname Teapot
Does it matter that the bottom is not signed? Is this a sign that the teapot is slipcast?
Is this clay reduced red clay? Hojo's site spoke well of red clays for oolongs.
"black?" (red reduction?) at Yuukicha
Finally, this Banko Purple Clay at Yuukicha.
I have a strong appeal for the banko pots by Tachi Masaki. According to Hojo they are great for Puerhs (my current favorite). But would a higher quality be better than this? It's difficult to judge quality by price alone. .
