Kyusu : what's your favorite shape ?

[Maneki Neko]

I still feel unrefined at times and afraid to do a faux pas
But I've learned so much here already and learn something new every day.

Apparently filling my pot half is not a faux pas, thanks for reassuring me Poohblah (Edit: sorry for confusion)

Since there are no Japanese masters watching, I'd have to answer but to myself for making a possible FP, but I want to do it properly in appreciation of the ancient art of making tea

Ok sorry back on topic...

[Running for Tea]

I suspect that most people on these forums find that the more they brew, the more they tend towards the smallish pots.

That statement is certainly true for me. My first pot was ~9 oz. As I began brewing more and more, majority of the time I found I was only brewing 4 oz steeps. Now I'm only in the market for pots that are 4-5 oz. Speaking of which, I haven't bought a new kyusu in quite a long time...

[David R.]

My sweet spot is a 200-250ml kyusu using 100ml at most. I like the tea to reach just the base of the filter, for higher shapes at least, so that the leaves do not clog it too mich while pouring. Also this kind of kyusu is much easier to find...

I only try to use direct filters, I like to keep the pot hanging over my yunomi to get the last drops. That's why I hate ball-shaped filters, at least if they are not really well made, and only if I don't have a choice.

[debunix]

4 oz is not teeny-tiny. 1 oz is teeny-tiny:


Tiny teapot by debunix, on Flickr

And yes, it does make fine tea, though its really not so practical for regular use.

[Maneki Neko]

Now that makes me go "awwww" I have a big weakness for teeny tiny miniature things.

[tenuki]

I'm quite partial to this one:

[Maneki Neko]

Is that a Banko?

[Poohblah]

Looks like Tokoname to me, of course I could be wrong

[tenuki]

Looks like Tokoname to me, of course I could be wrong

Yup - Tokoname Tobikanna 160ml kyusu by Gyokko.

Of interest.

also the 2013 Tokoname catalog....

[David R.]

To answer my own question, I think the shape I prefer is the the one from the Yakishime kyusu in the back here. Looks very big, but I love the round form with the tiny opening... It makes me think of a fugu fish (that is not why I like it ^^)

[vacuithe]

waow. Nice pic !

[Alex]

4 oz is not teeny-tiny. 1 oz is teeny-tiny:


Tiny teapot by debunix, on Flickr

And yes, it does make fine tea, though its really not so practical for regular use.

You could probably swallow that whole and let it dispense tea as the day went on.

[Poohblah]

Looks like Tokoname to me, of course I could be wrong

Yup - Tokoname Tobikanna 160ml kyusu by Gyokko.

I stopped short of suggesting that this is the teapot you have. I have one of these models as well, but it looks just different enough from my own copy that I didn't mention it.

Of interest.

FWIW, my Gyokko features his signature (玉光) in a modern script and not the seal script listed on the page.

[Alex]

To answer my own question, I think the shape I prefer is the the one from the Yakishime kyusu in the back here. Looks very big, but I love the round form with the tiny opening... It makes me think of a fugu fish (that is not why I like it ^^)

Wow those have got to be in the 500ml range. Lovely shapes though.

[paul haigh]

taking copious notes...