Help deciding on a kyusu

[pizzapotamus]

Torn between going with a mumyoi oxidation by Shimizu Ken or a Hokujo. I don't have any specific pots in mind, but there look to still be a few mumyoi pots that I'd like from Hojo and sourcing a Hokujo that I like looks to be fairly easy.

I'm looking to brew both fukamushi and lighter steamed teas, probably around 5oz at a time. As such the sasame filter on a Hokujo may be a point in its favor as I find it more versatile than direct hole. However I don't really know what the holes on a Shimizu Ken pot are like and simply getting something that tends towards tall rather than flat may be sufficient?

Then of course there's the fact that it seems like there will be little opportunity to pick up a Shimizu Ken pot in the future which is probably the biggest thing pushing in that direction.

Anyone care to heap effusive praise on either of them? Or general fit and finish observations .

[Frisbeehead]

I apologize in advance, as I have not had personal experience with either of those kyusu.

However I have been considering buying a Shimizu Ken Nosaka kyusu for the same reason you mentioned (that they may not be available for too long). I just bought my first kyusu but I know my passion for Japanese greens will grow and it would be nice to have it. They look so beautiful...but my wallet wouldn't like me if I bought one

We shall see. I have to make sure I don't browse Hojo after drinking too much tea or having a few beers...

[Alex]

They're both amazing having owned both. Fit and finish are on the same level for different reasons. I'd go with the shimizu ken. Partly because after the current pots are sold that will basically be it but also for the natural clay rather then mixed. I'm not a big fan of sesame filters either. But you really can't go wrong with either. Both are superb pots, functional and make great tea.

Shimizu filters are normally 16 to 24 hole depending on pot size. Shape doesn't seem to make much difference with his pots and fuka. Some are better then others but that's more to do with some models having a higher pressure pour that keeps the leaves away more from the filter. However they all work just fine if youre slow with the pour.

Shimizu pots have a highly functional feel. Very simple and sharp.

Hokujo feel rustic and wholesome but polished at the business departments.

Is it possible to just get both?

[pizzapotamus]

Ha, well I can't get both now. You've already put me over the number teapots I *should* be buying this month. However the fact that I can likely get a shimizu ken pot now and a hokoju later does have me leaning shimizu ken. In fact I might have one ordered by now except communication with Hojo seems to go a good deal slower than some other vendors =\

[Alex]

He will pick up your email but it can take a few days.

[chingwa]

I use a shimizu ken reduction fired pot for all my sencha/gyokuro. It makes great tea and is a little handmade work of art. Perfectly simple and functional yes, but you can see the mark of the artist in it as well.

[hobin]

I own a hokujo kyusu and I'm really happy with it. As Alex said I think it's more of an aesthetical choice: hokuyo's kyusu have got a rustic feeling (he doesn't use the typical tokoname red clay, but a rougher beige clay) but the overall design is neat and clear.