Since this thread has been resurrected, I've got a related concern. I recently bought a Kikumaru and I opened the package today. Around the rim, where the lid fits to the body, there's the same "fitting scars" (which don't bother me a bit) showing the difference between the lighter/shinier cream colored surface and the darker clay underneath. Okay, this is fine, I like it, ...here's my concern. My pot's lighter/shinier surface is cracking and peeling in areas. In areas where clay meets clay (handle meets body; spout meets body; screen meets body) the outer surface (shinier, lighter color) is cracking and peeling up like old paint! It's almost like the pot was dipped/painted and the areas where the coating would be thickest (in joints, groves, valleys), the coating was too thick and ended up cracking during firing. This is weird and I don't like it. I can actually effortlessly flake a piece of the coating off and see the darker clay underneath. What's up with that? I've never heard anyone mention this about their Kikumaru. Does anyone's Kikumaru have this issue? I'll bring on some pictures in a bit if my camera can get a close enough shot. Anyway, I plan on contacting Rishi about this on Monday.
Jun 29th, '08, 02:44
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Space Samurai
Yes, many Yixings will completely stop the pour if you cover the hole in the lid with your finger, accidently or intentionally. Most of them have the hole in the knob, which is the logical place to put your finger to hold the lid on while you pour. Now you can't, so holding the lid on the edge won't keep it evenly in place so it drips.scruffmcgruff wrote:I've heard (and tried) the same thing with Yixing, and the same tendency holds. Higher price, better lid seal.
Accidently covering the hole might lead you to believe the spout hole is clogged.
If pouring directly into two or more small cups, blocking the hole will shut off the flow of tea, reducing the amount of spill as you go from cup to cup.
Finally had time to take a picture and upload it. The focus is off but the pic shows basicly what I'm seeing. See the cracking where the filter meets the body? It's especially bad between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock. I can actually take a needle or knife and flake pieces of the cracked area away and see darker clay underneath. Does anybody else have this happening to their Kikumaru?
