An Introduction to the Kyusu
It’s a little known fact that kyusu is simply the Japanese word for teapot. We usually think of them as side handled tea pots but they can also have handles on the rear or even on the top. Porcelain and clay are the most common mediums but kyusu can be made from a number of materials. The handles are usually hollow in order to prevent them from becoming too hot to hold. Kyusu have wider bodies that allow heat to dissipate, making them perfect for sensitive teas like sencha. Kyusu are different from other teapots because they are designed specifically for making green tea and they usually feature some sort of built in…
An Introduction to Hagi
Japan is famous for several pottery styles but one of my favorites is known as Hagi Yaki. It is a glazed, high-fired stoneware that is the specialty of the city of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The glaze can be made in a variety of colors but milky white is the among the most recognizable. This style of pottery originated in Korea and was brought to Japan in the 17th century. No two pieces are ever exactly alike due to their handmade nature. Their perfectly imperfect appearance exemplifies the wabi sabi aesthetic of the Japanese tea culture. The clay has a rough, almost rocky texture and the glazes are typically lumpy or drippy. Most pieces…
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