Why is there a hole in the lid of my kyusu?

[gingkoseto]

the patterns match up perfectly when the lid is aligned perfectly.

This is how I came to this understanding about kyusu holes. I have 3 in which the pattern on the lid and pot match up perfectly in one and only one position, with the hole directly between the knob and the spout, perfectly lined up. Not kinda, or close to, but perfectly. This is no accident.

I didn't know this until I got a kyusu with the body of a person on the pot and the head of the person on the lid I found it very cute that only when the hole on the lid goes by the way as Chip said, the person can have his head in position

[cherylopal]

BTW, the hole is designed to be on the spout side of the lid knob. So a line drawn from the knob to the spout tip would pass right through the middle of this hole.

OMGosh, I always thought it was just the opposite! Thanks.

Chamekke can certainly attest to the fact that the Japanese are really into alignment, I personally happen to love this aspect of Japanese and tea. For instance, if you check out every Washi canister, the patterns match up perfectly when the lid is aligned perfectly.

This is how I came to this understanding about kyusu holes. I have 3 in which the pattern on the lid and pot match up perfectly in one and only one position, with the hole directly between the knob and the spout, perfectly lined up. Not kinda, or close to, but perfectly. This is no accident.

Of course, my AR aka structured personality has ever since lined this up perfectly each time I brew, and after drying.

Kyusu are pretty amazing pots, imho. You can generally stand a good one on its handle indicating good balance. The lid forms this great vacuum as moisture condenses around the lid seal forming an incredibly cohesive pot ... and of course the "cover the hole" when pouring test. You gotta love a good kyusu.

DH was with me when I was opening my package with my new kyusu and he put the lid on any old way- I showed him how the painting on the lid matched to the bottom. I pulled out my kyusu just now and noticed the hole lined up perfectly when the painting is also in alignment. Way cool!! I'll try covering the hole this afternoon when I brew. I just love all this about tea!