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Dec 22nd, '08, 13:49
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Unglazed clay kyusu - aging?

by TokyoB » Dec 22nd, '08, 13:49

I'm considering purchasing a Japanese teapot made of unglazed clay. The clay is a terra-cotta color. Any ideas on how this will "age" in terms of staining, etc.?

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Dec 22nd, '08, 16:47
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by Chip » Dec 22nd, '08, 16:47

Depends on what you brew in it. The clay from the kilns of Tokoname tend to be pretty dense, at least the terra cotta ones.

It seems to me that the vast majority of the staining does not penetrate the clay, clinging to the surfase and will flake off after many many uses. Part of what flakes may be tea stained calcium deposits if you have hard water.

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