Collection: Kyusu

Pouring Peace: Welcome to the World of Kyusu Teapots

Enter the serene and aromatic world of Kyusu teapots — the quintessential Japanese vessel for brewing loose-leaf green tea. Designed with centuries of tradition, attention to detail, and cultural grace, the Kyusu is more than just a teapot. It is a bridge between nature and nourishment, a ritual object, and a work of functional art.

Used in both casual and formal Japanese tea ceremonies, Kyusu teapots are typically crafted from ceramic or clay, most often in the side-handled "yokode kyusu" form. This iconic silhouette is instantly recognizable and ergonomically ideal, allowing a smooth pour and easy wrist control. Whether you are new to green tea or a connoisseur of sencha, matcha, or gyokuro, a Kyusu enhances the experience from the very first infusion.

The gentle arc of the handle, the soft weight of fired clay in your hand, the steam rising from the spout — every part of using a Kyusu connects you to something deeper. To pour tea from one is to participate in a calming, age-old ritual. In our hurried digital world, the Kyusu reintroduces patience, balance, and joy in the everyday.

Tradition Infused: The History & Purpose of the Kyusu

The Kyusu has a legacy stretching back hundreds of years, deeply tied to Japanese tea culture. It evolved to reflect both utility and aesthetics, often crafted by regional ceramicists using local clay. Tokoname, Banko, and Shigaraki are among Japan's most esteemed pottery traditions that still create masterful Kyusu by hand.

These forms have developed in tandem with the evolving tastes and customs of tea drinkers. For example, the yokode form facilitates fast, smooth pouring — ideal for delicate teas that can quickly turn bitter if steeped too long. Meanwhile, the houbin’s spoutless body encourages a slower, more mindful pour during refined, contemplative tea experiences.

The clay used in many Kyusu teapots is left unglazed on the interior, allowing the mineral content to interact naturally with the tea leaves. This not only enhances flavor but also adds depth to each brewing session over time, as the teapot "remembers" the teas it has brewed. Owning a Kyusu means owning a piece of evolving tradition — and cultivating a relationship with your tea.

Thoughtful Design: Features That Elevate Every Brew

A Kyusu is small but mighty in design. Every curve and detail is intentional, meant to enhance aroma, taste, and pour precision. It embodies a philosophy where beauty meets practicality, and sensory pleasure is fused with function.

Signature Features:

• Side Handle (Yokode): Allows ergonomic wrist motion when pouring

• Built-in Infuser: Fine mesh strainer inside the spout or the body to catch loose leaves

• Wide Opening: Easy to insert leaves, clean, and enjoy aroma

• Clay Material: Often Tokoname or Banko, which retain heat and enhance flavor

• Drip-Free Spout: Designed for control, minimizing waste and mess

Some Kyusu even have artistic lids with pressure-fit construction, allowing a gentle steam release without spills. Others feature sculpted motifs, calligraphy, or etched glazes that elevate each pot into a unique collector’s piece.

When you brew with a Kyusu, you’re not just making tea. You're creating a quiet moment of harmony and heritage. You’re choosing craftsmanship over convenience, and flavor over haste.

Styling the Ritual: How to Use and Pair Your Kyusu 

Owning a Kyusu invites you to create a small but meaningful ritual. From tea selection to presentation, the entire experience is elevated with mindful tools and intentional design. It turns everyday tea into a ceremony of comfort.

Brewing Setup:

• Choose premium loose-leaf Japanese green tea (like sencha or genmaicha)

• Preheat the Kyusu with hot water, then discard

• Add tea leaves (typically 1 tsp per 100 ml)

• Pour hot water (70°–80°C depending on tea type)

• Let steep for 30–90 seconds, then pour slowly into small cups

Styling Tips:

• Pair with traditional yunomi cups or handmade ceramic cups

• Use a wooden or bamboo tea tray to protect surfaces and contain spills

• Add a matching tea canister for a cohesive aesthetic

• Include a small tea towel for elegance and cleanliness

• Display with seasonal flowers or natural textures for a sensory corner

Kyusu use is about slowing down. Embrace each motion, inhale the aroma, and let your senses steep in the moment. Use your Kyusu not just as a brewing tool — but as the centerpiece of a meditative, healing space.

Perfect Pairings: Tea Types That Shine with Kyusu

Kyusu teapots are best suited for Japanese green teas that require lower brewing temperatures and shorter steeping times. The result is a gentle, grassy, umami-rich profile that reflects both tea and teaware.

Many tea enthusiasts develop a close relationship with their Kyusu and designate different pots for specific tea types. Over time, the teapot absorbs the oils of the leaves it steeps — further refining each infusion and building a subtle layer of flavor memory.

With the right tea and a Kyusu in hand, even a simple afternoon becomes a grounding and flavor-rich ceremony.

Why Every Tea Lover Needs a Kyusu 

Kyusu teapots are more than elegant tools — they are gateways into a deeper appreciation of tea and time. In a world moving faster than ever, they invite stillness, ritual, and presence. They honor tradition while enhancing taste, and bring mindfulness into the everyday.

Whether you're a seasoned tea drinker or just beginning your journey, the Kyusu offers:

• A beautifully handcrafted alternative to mass-market teapots

• A sensory-rich experience with aroma, touch, and taste

• A tool for slowing down and brewing with intention

• A meaningful connection to Japanese culture and craftsmanship

• A personal expression of taste, style, and ritual space

A Kyusu is not simply a vessel — it’s a gentle teacher. It shows us the art of doing one thing well. It teaches us to pour slowly, to wait quietly, and to taste deeply. It is tradition made tactile, and beauty made practical.

From leaf to pour, the Kyusu transforms ordinary tea into an art form. Begin your journey today — one cup at a time.