First Teaware Questions...

[GT500Driver]

I'm looking to purchase my first teaware, and though I realize that a lot of it is personal preference, I'm still wanting some advice. I fell in love with the Kenji kyusu mentioned in another thread, but would like to start with something smaller and cheaper. Looking at the other tokoname pots that are sold at Artistic Nippon, I found this one. But I don't know anything about it. Does anyone have this kyusu and could give me a quick review of it?

Also This Gaiwan Set from Tea Spring caught my eye, then the price really caught my eye. Anyone have this or see any reason not to get it?

Or, could people point me in the direction of some good cheaper quality goods. I think a good gaiwan would be where I'd like to start I guess, and I really like the blue and white porcelain, very classic imo. Not much a fan of many floral things, though there have been a few that have caught my eye.

I guess I just need some guidance, anything really.

Thanks in advance.

[Garrett]

Being very new here myself, I can't quite offer you the kind of advice that you probably need.

Having said all of that, I have found the following thread to be very helpful in terms of providing links to shops with Gaiwans:

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=8234

Just be sure to look at shipping times.

[Salsero]

The gaiwan is very attractive and looks like a great deal. The aroma cup set also looks nice, though generally I dislike cups that match their brewing vessel. Still, at that price, it's a cheap gaiwan and free cups. I'd go for it!

[yee]

I would recomend gaiwan. When buy teaware you must know that its not teaware that makes tea but you, good water and tea itself. Also i recomend gaiwan cause teapots are more complicated and usualy you need some time and experience to find the one you really like.

[chamekke]

I think that if you see a tea set that fires your enthusiasm, you should get it. Every part of tea should be a joy - including the preparation.

This looks like a very nice set.

[Chip]

I believe Geekgirl has that kyusu. I have looked at it more than once myself.

I like the gaiwan set. I enjoy using aroma sets and unlike Master Sal, like the matching aspect.

As the saying goes, "just do it!"

[GT500Driver]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm going to look around some more, but I think I'll get the gaiwan set, then just save up until I can get the Kenji Kyusu that I want from Toru. There are about 5 yunomi that I plan on getting from Artistic Nippon as well, so we'll see how all that goes...

[Geekgirl]

I have that gyokko pot from Artistic Nippon, and you can't go wrong there, it's very nice and well-made, works great for gyokuro and sencha.

[GT500Driver]

Thanks, nice to know, still probably get it, I mean, can't have too much teaware, right? At least, I hope not...