Among Japanese green tea connoisseurs, the Kyusu teapot, especially Tokoname ware, is the must-item.
Kyusu teapot made of Tokoname ware is selected as an important intangible cultural property. Not only green tea but also Tokoname ware Kyusu is indispensable for Japanese culture.
Tokoname ware called Tokoname Yaki in Japanese is one of the popular Japanese ceramics produced for a long time mainly in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, and also known as the largest production of Kyusu teapot in Japan.
TOKONAME KYUSU is known for its high-quality and can provide delicious green tea the best.
OVERVIEW TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT TOKONAME WARE
TKONAME WARE (常滑焼): Japanese Ceramics, Japanese pottery
Production: AICHI Prefecture
As the name suggests, Tokoname yaki is pottery produced mainly in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.
Tokoname yaki has a long history (since the 12th century) and is selected as one of the six pottery crafts in Japan.
Tokoname ware has the iconic feature of its color-vermilion color.
In recent years, not only the traditional vermilion color but also a variety of colors of Tokoname ware have been produced.
Tokoname ware has excellent water resistance, so it is especially ideal for the Kyusu teapot.
HOW TO BREW JAPANESE GREEN TEA AT HOME
When you get high-quality Japanese green loose tea leaves and a traditional Japanese KYUSU teapot, it’s time to look up the proper way to make the best green tea!
On this page, I am talking about hot-to-brew ‘Sencha’ green tea in the Kyusu teapot.
WHY TOKONAME KYUSU IS GREAT
Now, it is time to talk about why the Tokoname Kyusu teapot is the best to make Japanese green tea.
Make Green Tea Mellow Round Flavor
Tokoname ware is made of clay rich in iron oxide.
The iron oxide contained Tokoname Kyusu reacts with tannins contained in green tea and it makes unpleasant astringency and bitter flavor mild and round.
To get better results, ideally, select Tokoname Kyusu with non-glazed.
Unglazed Clay Kyusu Teapot
Ceramic glaze is a glassy coating on ceramics that works for decoration, protecting surfaces, resistant to liquid.
Using glaze not only improves the texture but also fills the small invisible holes so that liquid does not leak. Also, it works for changing the color with the glaze.
Traditionally, Tokoname ware is made with non-glaze.
(*recently, glazed-Tokoname ware are produced.)
Unglazed Kyusu provides mellow round-flavored green tea since the teapot absorbs unpleasant flavors and enhances umami flavor.
Enjoy Turning Color As Long As Use
Since traditional Tokoname kyusu is unglazed, you can enjoy turning its color as long as you use it which attracts many Tokoname Kyusu-collectors.
Moreover, since the vermilion clay used as raw material is very fine particles, it does not have a rough texture even when unglazed, and it feels smooth and silky.
As long as take good care of it, the teapot will become more lustrous.
Lid And Pot Fit Tight
One of the keys to finding a great kyusu teapot is whether a lid fits well with a teapot.
Tokoname Kyusu has an especially excellent fitting of the lid and teapot.
Thus, the Kyusu teapot keeps the water temperature and can brew the green tea leaves at the proper temperature throughout the process.
Built-in Strainer
Some Tokoname Kyusu has a built-in strainer.
It makes delicious green tea without the metallic flavor of a stainless steel strainer.
This built-in strainer is fragile, so wash and rinse carefully.
The traditional Tokoname Kyusu with a smooth texture and stylish design.
With a capacity of 300 ml, which is the perfect size to make green tea for one or two people at a time.
The special design for just making delicious green tea.
The iconic flat design with stylish black color.
Unglazed.
HOW TO CLEAN TOKONAME KYUSU
Under proper care, Tokoname Kyusu lasts longer and becomes more beautiful.
Unfortunately, Tokoname Kyusu is almost not dishwasher-safe.
However, as long as taking care of this special delicate Kyusu teapot, it can provide precious tea and teatime.
For your best relaxation time, let’s take care of the Tokoname teapot with special thanks.
For the first use, rinse the Kyusu teapot with warm water. Let the earthenware absorb the water making it firm and stronger.
In daily use, rinse a teapot with warm water and keep the inside clean. Don’t forget to clean the spout. Run water from the tip of the spout and clean the inside.
After rinsing, dry well with a kitchen towel. Better not to use dish soap to avoid the fragrance of a soap transferred to the teapot.
Do not use a metric scrub for the Tokoname teapot.
The Bottom Line
High-quality Tokoname Kyusu teapots are very popular for making delicious green tea and have known as the most popular Kyusu teapots in Japan.
Tokoname teapot absorbs the astringent and bitter flavors of green tea while making the tea mellow taste.
Iconic unglazed Kyusu teapot but brings stylish design and enjoys turning its color as long as use.
Iconic unglazed Kyusu teapot but brings stylish design and enjoys turning its color as long as use.
Please take good care and enjoy your teatime!
OTHER JAPANESE KYUSU TEAPOTS
KUTANI WARE -BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE CERAMIC-
KUTANI ware (九谷焼) is unique, colorful, beautiful ceramics produced in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan.
CAST IRON KYUSU TEAPOT-TETSU KYUSU-
If you looking for a KYUSU teapot to make green tea or something looking for “Japanese-like”, “Asian taste” or “ZEN” life, Japanese cast iron KYUSU teapot can be one.
Unlike cast iron ware, most TETSU KYUSU has enamel-glazed inside so it can help after-care a little.