Ode to the Kyusu

[Alex]

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[bliss]

Very nice Pot Alex! I think the Gisui pot(s) I've seen before have been larger, nice to see that there are smaller ones too.

I really love this type of clay that has bigger particles in it like that. Is there an agreed upon name for this? I believe it was discussed a while ago here, but can't remember any conclusion. Also, the human element of ceramics and kyusus in particular have become really important to me. This pot has the human element in spades, culminating in that fingerprint!

[Teaism]

Nice Gisui pots. I read somewhere that Gisui has stopped making pots. Not sure if I got it confused with some other potter...I think it is probably true. Anyone has any info on this? I remembered seeing this pots before and like its clay feature and detailing especially the pinching expression when connecting the parts.

Thanks for sharing. Very nice!

Cheers,
Teaism

[Chip]

Beautiful lil Gisui, Alex! Wish I had purchased one while they were still available. I seem to recall I could not find one in the size range I would have wanted at that level of price point. Now I would not be so picky. There are seemingly none available.

Nice Gisui pots. I read somewhere that Gisui has stopped making pots. Not sure if I got it confused with some other potter...I think it is probably true. Anyone has any info on this? I remembered seeing this pots before and like its clay feature and detailing especially the pinching expression when connecting the parts.

Yes, the Hojo site indicated that due to his age and inability to produce pots of the quality ... expected of a Gisui, the potter would not be making any more.

[Teaism]

Thanks Chip.
Cheers!

[Chip]

Thanks Chip.
Cheers!

Well, who knows, maybe Hojo has one sitting on a shelf in his store ... maybe for a higher price now. Hmm, I seem to recall someone posting that his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Take a look when you go there.

[William]

his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Hi Chip,
From Akira's website ~

There is some differences in our selling price between Japan and Malaysia.
It is due to the difference in logistics/handling cost, inspection fee and importing tax.
For example, the retail selling price for teapot in Malaysia is 20-30% higher mainly on account of the high duty, at around 40% that is imposed by Malaysia custom department.

[Chip]

his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Hi Chip,
From Akira's website ~

There is some differences in our selling price between Japan and Malaysia.
It is due to the difference in logistics/handling cost, inspection fee and importing tax.
For example, the retail selling price for teapot in Malaysia is 20-30% higher mainly on account of the high duty, at around 40% that is imposed by Malaysia custom department.

There is not much import/export cooperation between Asian nations, is there? I have seen some insane customs charge reportings. And I doubt any countries over there are kind towards Japanese imports. Perhaps because memory of the past runs deep.

Fortunately, USA does not charge customs for items for personal use. I am sure there are exceptions to this.

[William]

his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Hi Chip,
From Akira's website ~

There is some differences in our selling price between Japan and Malaysia.
It is due to the difference in logistics/handling cost, inspection fee and importing tax.
For example, the retail selling price for teapot in Malaysia is 20-30% higher mainly on account of the high duty, at around 40% that is imposed by Malaysia custom department.

There is not much import/export cooperation between Asian nations, is there? I have seen some insane customs charge reportings. And I doubt any countries over there are kind towards Japanese imports. Perhaps because memory of the past runs deep.

Fortunately, USA does not charge customs for items for personal use. I am sure there are exceptions to this.

According to what I understand, if you buy for example the same teapot, physically at his shop in KL and online (delivered from JP) has different prices because the taxation is different (and several are also other costs) .. from here, the different pricing system.

[Teaism]

Thanks Chip.
Cheers!

Well, who knows, maybe Hojo has one sitting on a shelf in his store ... maybe for a higher price now. Hmm, I seem to recall someone posting that his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Take a look when you go there.

Yes, will look around. A lot of stuff in his shop were gone when I was there last year. I don't remember seeing the Gisui on display. I heard a bus load of Chinese tourist came and scoop up all the tetsubin including the satetsu. Wanted to get a Suzuki tetsubin then but it was all gone and now I am on a 3 year waiting period for a Suzuki tetsubin. Sigh.

Akira is very generous when come to testing his tea. So it is a good chance to try and experience all the tea.

Cheers!

[Chip]

Thanks Chip.
Cheers!

Well, who knows, maybe Hojo has one sitting on a shelf in his store ... maybe for a higher price now. Hmm, I seem to recall someone posting that his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Take a look when you go there.

Yes, will look around. A lot of stuff in his shop were gone when I was there last year. I don't remember seeing the Gisui on display. I heard a bus load of Chinese tourist came and scoop up all the tetsubin including the satetsu. Wanted to get a Suzuki tetsubin then but it was all gone and now I am on a 3 year waiting period for a Suzuki tetsubin. Sigh.

Akira is very generous when come to testing his tea. So it is a good chance to try and experience all the tea.

Cheers!

Fortunately I have not caught the tetsubin bug ... yet.

I would love to walk around Hojo's B&M store! The closest thing to a Hojo store anywhere near here since Ito-en closed its store is a Teavana. Oh wait, there is Ippodo NY.

[Alex]

Thanks Chip.
Cheers!

Well, who knows, maybe Hojo has one sitting on a shelf in his store ... maybe for a higher price now. Hmm, I seem to recall someone posting that his B&M prices were higher than his site prices anyway.

Take a look when you go there.

Yes, will look around. A lot of stuff in his shop were gone when I was there last year. I don't remember seeing the Gisui on display. I heard a bus load of Chinese tourist came and scoop up all the tetsubin including the satetsu. Wanted to get a Suzuki tetsubin then but it was all gone and now I am on a 3 year waiting period for a Suzuki tetsubin. Sigh.

Akira is very generous when come to testing his tea. So it is a good chance to try and experience all the tea.

Cheers!

There should be a few in his shop right now so if you are there soon you can check them out!

[Teaism]

Thanks I am looking forward to it. Hope to see one Suzuki sitting in a corner waiting... The one I ordered is 1.3L Kushime Tetsubin and it takes another 2.5 years to deliver. I am using a Kunzan now beside a few other types of kettle.
Well, it is nice to wait sometimes..no hurry

Oops! Sorry for OT.

Cheers!

[Chip]

Or is Alex referring to Gisui?

[Alex]

Oh sorry yeah Chip's right I meant the Gisui pots.