Tenmoku kyusu tea caddy

'Shōryū' Tenmoku Tokoname Kyusu – 160 ml

This 160 ml Tokoname-yaki kyusu from the Shōryū Kiln workshop is a particularly elegant, understated variation of classic Japanese side-handled teapots. Its small volume makes it ideal for tea ceremonies for one or two people, especially for Japanese green teas where precise water volume, shorter steeping times, and quick, clean pouring are important.

The teapot is made from Tokoname kokudei, or black clay. This clay has properties similar to the famous red shudei clay, but reduction firing gives it a deep, dark tone. The surface is made special by the tenmoku effect characteristic of the Shōryū workshop: fine, subtly iridescent details appear on the black base, while the surface is not a shiny, glass-like glaze, but retains the natural, matte feel of the clay.

It is a piece with a cleaner and more serene appearance. The emphasis is on the proportions of the form, the deep black surface, the natural character of the material, and the play of shadows.

Why we love it?

• Small, 160 ml capacity: ideal for Japanese tea for one or two people.
• Tokoname-yaki ceramics: From one of Japan's most famous teapot-making traditions.
• Kokudei black clay: deep, dark tone created by reduction firing.
• Full tenmoku surface: subtly iridescent, matte, elegant appearance.
• Ceramic sasame filter: natural filtration without a metal filter, with quick and clean pouring.
• Shōryū Kiln workshop: Master Shōji Umehara's tenmoku-inspired Tokoname teapots are particularly distinctive.

What teas do we recommend it for?

This kyusu is particularly well-suited for sencha, kabusecha, gyokuro, karigane, and other Japanese green teas. The smaller volume helps to make more concentrated, precise infusions, and the wide ceramic filter ensures comfortable pouring even when using small-leaf Japanese tea.

Usage and care

After use, rinse with clean water and leave to dry completely without the lid. We do not recommend using dish soap, as the natural clay will subtly interact with the tea over time. This teapot is a good choice for those looking for a smaller, precise, yet special Japanese kyusu for festive tea ceremonies.

Capacity: 160 ml
Type: Japanese side-handled kyusu
Ceramics: Tokoname-yaki
Maker: Shōryū Kiln / Shōji Umehara
Material: kokudei black clay
Surface: full tenmoku finish, without painting or gilding
Filter: built-in ceramic sasame filter
Recommended teas: sencha, kabusecha, gyokuro, karigane, Japanese green teas