How to pick the perfect teapot
Brewing loose leaf tea isn’t difficult, but a few special tools makes it even easier. And with centuries of artistic tradition behind them, Japanese tea-making tools are just the thing to turn your at-home tea cupboard or office nook into a calming, beautiful tea room.
Kyusu: The Japanese teapot
‘Kyusu’ is simply the term for Japanese teapots designed for brewing Japanese tea. It is both an art object and a tool, and like a chef’s knife or artist’s brush it should feel like an extension of your hand. Small details in a teapot’s design can make a big difference in how it brews, so when designing our line of kyusu, we gave special attention to a few key factors.
- A fine filter built right into the spout, giving the leaves ample room to unfurl and infuse as you steep.
- In our ceramic kyusu, a traditional hollow handle, which is light and comfortable to hold and doesn’t draw heat away from the pot, as that would throw off the brewing temperature.
- Handles placed at the side of the pot—perpendicular to the spout—an ergonomic position that makes it easier to pour.
- Carefully shaped spouts that minimize drips as you pour, to make sure you get every last drop.

Choose your style
Our teapots come in a wide range of materials designed to give each a unique, lively character. A flat, wide-mouth porcelain pot brings a modern sensibility to any tea table. Transparent glass is especially lightweight and lets you watch loose leaves dance as they brew. Our Tokoname Kyusu has a velvety texture and warm character that’s a pleasure to hold. And our fully handmade Yakishime Kyusu’s rough, rustic finish will develop a rich patina over time.