Handmade Dark Brown Floral Kyusu Teapot: Japanese Loose Leaf Tea Strainer (13 fl oz/380ml)
About this Product
One Handmade Dark Brown Floral Kyusu Teapot
Handmade Dark Brown Floral Kyusu Teapot: Japanese Loose Leaf Tea Strainer (13 fl oz/380ml) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Description
Description
This handmade Tokoname clay kyusu beautifully pairs utility with artistic detail. Crafted with a deep, matte charcoal-brown finish, its rounded body provides the ideal space for loose-leaf green teas to expand completely, allowing the leaves to release their full flavor. Thoughtfully equipped with a traditional side handle and a short, elegant spout, the pot is designed to brew loose-leaf teas with care, helping you get the most flavor from your favorite teas. Handmade in Japan, this kyusu brings centuries of time-honored craftsmanship right to your tea tray.
Product Details
Product Details
A Charcoal-Brown Kyusu Inspired by Nature
Handmade in Tokoname, one of Japan’s most respected pottery regions, this traditional side-handled kyusu features a rounded ceramic body with a deep matte charcoal-brown finish. Delicate hand-painted white and sage-green blossoms decorate the surface, while soft gold dust speckles trail along the lower half. Designed for loose-leaf green teas, the spacious body allows the leaves to expand fully during brewing. The angled side handle, short spout, and fitted lid support comfortable pouring and heat retention. Made with natural, iron-rich Tokoname clay, this teapot helps soften astringency and bring out the tea’s natural sweetness.
A Fine Mesh Filter for Smooth Brewing
This Japanese teapot features a built-in hi-mesh (80 mesh) woven stainless steel tea strainer designed for smooth, consistent brewing. The fine mesh works well with a variety of teas, from deep-steamed sencha to loose-leaf varieties, making it easy to enjoy different tea brewing styles. Compared to traditional mesh filters, its finer weave helps create a cleaner pour while still giving the tea leaves enough room to open as they steep. This allows the tea’s natural color, aroma, flavor, and sweetness to come through clearly.
A Comfortable Size for Everyday Tea
With a 380 ml capacity, this kyusu is a comfortable size for sharing tea with friends and family or enjoying multiple cups throughout the day. Made with high-quality Tokoname clay, it combines lasting durability with the beauty of handmade ceramic work. The glazed finish adds a protective layer to the surface while highlighting the rich charcoal-brown color and hand-painted details, making it a beautiful addition to any kitchen or tea collection.
Preparation & Care
Preparation & Care
Sencha - Vibrant Green Tea (Using Slightly Hot Water)
Ingredients:
- Sencha Tea Leaves: 2 teaspoons (about 4g)
- Water: 14 fl oz (400ml)
- Teapot and Tea cups
Instructions:
- Place 2 teaspoons (about 4g) of sencha tea leaves in the teapot.
- Heat water to around 176°F (80°C).
- Pour the hot water into the teapot and then immediately transfer it to a teacup to adjust the temperature.
- Pour the cooled-down water from the teacup back into the teapot.
- Gradually pour the water from the teapot into the teacup, allowing the tea to steep.
- Steep for 60 to 90 seconds.
- Carefully pour the tea from the teapot into the teacup, making sure to squeeze out every last drop.
- For regular sencha, you can directly pour hot water from the kettle into the teapot.
Pro Tips:
For higher-grade sencha, use a lower water temperature (around 158°F or 70°C) to bring out more umami flavors.
For regular sencha, a water temperature between 176°F and 194°F (80°C and 90°C) works well.
Deep-Steamed Sencha - Rich and Aromatic Green Tea [Shorter Steeping Time]
Ingredients:
- Sencha Tea Leaves: About 2 teaspoons (about 4g)
- Water: 14 fl oz (400ml)
- Teapot and Teacup
Instructions:
- Place about 2 teaspoons (about 4g) of sencha tea leaves in the teapot.
- Allow the boiled water to cool slightly, around 158°F (70°C).
- Pour the cooled water into the teapot.
- Steep the tea for about 30 seconds.
- Gradually pour the steeped tea from the teapot into the teacup.
- Squeeze out the last drops of tea and enjoy the rich aroma and flavor.
Gyokuro - Premium Shade-Grown Green Tea [Slow Infusion at Low Temperature]
Ingredients:
- Gyokuro Japanese Tea Leaves: 3 teaspoons (about 6g)
- Water: 14 fl oz (400ml)
- Teacup, Teapot, and Another Teacup
Instructions:
- Pour hot water into the teacup and then transfer it to the teapot to warm it up.
- Prepare the Gyokuro tea leaves (about 6g).
- Heat the water to around 176°F (80°C).
- Pour the warm water from the teapot into another teacup.
- Transfer the water from the other teacup to the kyusu (teapot), then transfer it again to another teacup for cooling.
- Place the Gyokuro tea leaves in the kyusu.
- Pour the cooled-down water from the other teacup into the kyusu.
- Steep the tea for 2 minutes.
- Carefully pour the tea into the teacup, making sure to squeeze out every drop.
Care Instructions
To keep your handcrafted Tokoname teapot in beautiful condition, rinse it thoroughly with warm water after each use and avoid using dish soap, detergents, or harsh scrubbers, as the unglazed ceramic interior easily absorbs oils and flavors over time.
Gently rinse the built-in woven mesh metal filter to clear out any stray tea leaves, ensuring it remains clean and unclogged.
Always allow the teapot and lid to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area before storing them to prevent any moisture retention or stale aromas, and never place the delicate piece in the dishwasher or microwave.
The Heritage of Tokoname Pottery
Tokoname is one of Japan’s six ancient kilns (Rokkoyo), with a pottery tradition that dates back over 900 years. Located in Aichi Prefecture, the region is known for its high-quality clay, especially the iron-rich red clay that has long been used to create durable ceramics and tea ware. Tokoname potters are recognized for their skill in working with natural clay and developing techniques that bring together practical design and artistic expression.
This kyusu reflects the spirit of Tokoname pottery, combining traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. From its carefully shaped body to the natural qualities of the clay, each detail represents a connection to one of Japan’s most respected ceramic traditions.
The Japanese Teapot Made for Loose-Leaf Tea
Kyusu teapots are traditional Japanese teapots designed specifically for brewing loose-leaf tea. Their signature side handle, carefully shaped body, and spacious interior make them especially well suited for everyday tea preparation, particularly for Japanese green teas. The rounded design gives tea leaves room to move freely in the water, allowing them to open fully as they brew and helping create a more even extraction. This allows the tea’s natural color, aroma, flavor, and sweetness to come through. The built-in filter also plays an important role by keeping the leaves inside the pot while allowing the brewed tea to pour smoothly into the cup, making it easy to enjoy multiple brews from the same leaves.
Brew a Wide Range of Loose Leaf Teas
This set is well-suited for a wide range of loose leaf teas, from delicate Japanese greens like sencha, gyokuro, and bancha to stronger types of tea such as hojicha or Chinese oolong. The clay body, slightly porous and unglazed inside, allows the tea to steep gently and hold warmth without overheating the leaves, which is ideal for green teas that require lower brewing time or temperatures. The built-in ceramic mesh strainer catches even the finest leaf fragments, making it easy to brew without needing extra tools. Whether you're preparing a quick cup for yourself or serving several rounds for guests, the teapot and yunomi cups work together to support a thoughtful, relaxed tea experience across styles and settings.
A Gift for Those Who Love Tea
A kyusu teapot like this is easy to enjoy as part of your own tea routine, and it also makes a meaningful gift for someone who enjoys loose leaf tea and traditional tea ware. Add this one-of-a-kind piece to your collection or gift it to a tea connoisseur who appreciates the beauty of artisanal creations. The teapot arrives elegantly packed in a gift box, making it ready to present without any extra preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a kyusu teapot suitable for beginners?
Is a kyusu teapot suitable for beginners?
Yes, a kyusu teapot is a great choice for beginners who want to explore loose-leaf tea. Its traditional design makes brewing simple, with features like the side handle, fitted lid, and built-in filter helping create a smooth and comfortable tea-making experience. A kyusu is especially well suited for Japanese green teas such as sencha, but it can also be used with many other loose-leaf varieties.
Why is iron-rich clay used for tea ware?
Why is iron-rich clay used for tea ware?
Iron-rich clay is valued in Japanese tea ware because of its natural mineral content and its long connection to traditional pottery. In Tokoname, this type of clay has been used for centuries to create durable teapots with unique brewing qualities. The natural minerals in the clay can interact with water during brewing, helping soften the taste of green teas and bringing out their natural sweetness.
How long does a handmade kyusu teapot last?
How long does a handmade kyusu teapot last?
A handmade kyusu teapot can last for many years with proper care. Crafted from durable clay and designed for regular tea preparation, a well-maintained Tokoname kyusu can become a long-lasting part of your tea collection. To help preserve its condition, rinse it with warm water after use, avoid harsh cleaning products, and allow it to dry completely before storing.
Why does green tea taste different in a kyusu?
Why does green tea taste different in a kyusu?
Green tea tastes different in a kyusu because of how the teapot shapes the brewing process. The wide interior gives the tea leaves space to open fully in the water, which supports a more even extraction of flavor, aroma, and natural sweetness.
If the kyusu has an unglazed interior, the clay can also play a small role over time. It may slightly soften bitter or astringent notes through repeated use and helps maintain a steady brewing temperature.








