Ode to the Kyusu

[Chip]

Not the first time I have posted photos of this Noutomi Susumu Hagi Kyusu (and coordinating wan-s) ... but there are always elements of this Kyusu that need to be shared with TeaChat, especially since this artisan is not as well known to the West. I consider it my responsibility and privilege to share it with you all ... in all its glory (as much as my phone can bring).

The form is "tebineri" or pinched versus wheeled. This is very common of this family in their brewing vessels.



The glaze is like glass ... crackled glass.



The spout on most Hagi are this style ... similar to a Hobin.



The inner plumbing works very well for even Fukamushi.

[debunix]

The glaze is so very refined and delicate against the more robust pinched design of the pot. The close-ups really add to my appreciation of it.

[Tead Off]

Brings a personal warmth that is absent in most kyusu, I think.

[Noonie]

The spout looks like a large bottom lip...would be funny with this in mind to see tea flowing from it

Thanks for sharing.

[Jspigs]

Black Kinsai kyusu by Maekawa Junzo, second session. This time was with a second session of Ran sencha from Hakinowado. It performed quite well!





The interior clay surface is quite rough ... a rough sandy clay. Sorry, phone cannot really pick this up ...



A very fast pourer with a wide opening spout paired with a nice sasame screen. It is clear that the artisan placed a high priority on this function.

Very nice! Is it wood fired? It reminds me of some of the pots made by some of the resident forum artisans who wood fire their wares.

[Chip]

Thank you Jspigs.

No, I do not believe it is woodfired.

This Kyusu does have a slip added to the exterior. If you look around the rim of the last photo, you can see where it begins ... or ends.

[Buzz Fledderjohn]

I love my Junzo Black Kinsai kyusu. Perfect size (about 6oz/180ml to the rim), excellent pour. I've been using it almost non-stop for the past few months.

[Chip]

I love my Junzo Black Kinsai kyusu. Perfect size (about 6oz/180ml to the rim), excellent pour. I've been using it almost non-stop for the past few months.

Where there is a black Junzo ... a white Junzo is lurking!

[Chip]

Been going with the new Yoshiki more and more lately. I did not embrace this one immediately. I received it at the same time as the Hokujo which was such a natural. The Yoshiki required a getting to know you period. It requires a bit more focus to use ... but it is as I have learned, an exceptional brewer and the added focus simply caused me to really notice the kyusu.

Anyway, I felt compelled to share a few more photos ... and maybe a few more.

[Stentor]

I like this one A LOT. Really an absolutely wonderful kyusu. I'm jealous.
Thanks for sharing more pictures of it!
Would it be too bold of me to ask you to take some pictures of the lid itself?
Also, does the lid fit very tightly?

[Teaism]

Yoshiki's work is nice. I am eyeing on his hammered finished effect chawan ( http://www.artisticnippon.com/product/t ... hawan.html ) but the price makes me go dizzy...

[Chip]

I like this one A LOT. Really an absolutely wonderful kyusu. I'm jealous.
Thanks for sharing more pictures of it!
Would it be too bold of me to ask you to take some pictures of the lid itself?
Also, does the lid fit very tightly?

It was a great beginner Yoshiki buy. Most Yoshiki cost 2X or 3X more ... but I wanted to try one before shelling out more. I was a tad concerned about the relatively small ball filter, but this does not appear to be an issue at all.

I will post lid shots momentarily.

Yoshiki's work is nice. I am eyeing on his hammered finished effect chawan ( http://www.artisticnippon.com/product/t ... hawan.html ) but the price makes me go dizzy...

Yeah, I love the hammered Yoshiki. I like his textural works.

[Chip]

Stentor, the lid fit is just right for this type of lid. It has slight amount of play. I would not want it any tighter.

And in general use, it will not make a jingling sound ... but it will if I "force the issue" and shake the pot.

Some links and a photo. Hope this answers your question(s).

http://s285.photobucket.com/user/Teamaa ... b.jpg.html

http://s285.photobucket.com/user/Teamaa ... 1.jpg.html

http://s285.photobucket.com/user/Teamaa ... d.jpg.html

[Stentor]

That's perfect, thanks Chip!

[Alex]

This is a very special Kyusu.

160ml Gisui.

Texture of the clay is smooth and soft like powdered toffee. The effect on the tea is subtle. Its quite close to porcelain actually with a gentle mineral finish. Brews great tea. Has a 32 hole direct filter and for Fuka is fine as long as you dont fill up the pot.

In terms of leaf particles in the cup its about the same as a very fine ball filter.

The last picture is of a finger print....it didnt come out very well but is perhaps my favourite part of the pot. The pour is unmatched by anything I've used before. It simply will not drip down the body of the pot at any stage of the pour. Please forgive the weird black leather coaster...I just grabbed the nearest thing

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