Banko-Yaki Kyusu Teapot - Suigetsu III - 480ml

Name: Banko-Yaki Kyusu Teapot - Suigetsu III - 480ml
Brand: Artisanal Japan
Price: 900.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Banko-Yaki Kyusu Teapot - Suigetsu III - 480ml

$900.00

Included: 1x Kyusu teapot

Shimizu Suigetsu III

Mie Prefecture, Japan

Purple Shidei Clay | Surface pattern

Kyusu teapot | 480ml

About Banko-Yaki Kyusu Teapot - Suigetsu III - 480ml

This handcrafted Japanese Banko-yaki kyusu teapot is a distinguished creation by Shimizu Suigetsu III, the third-generation master of the famed Suigetsu kiln in Mie Prefecture, Japan. His work is known for its quiet refinement, an unhurried, thoughtful dialogue with clay that lends each piece a sense of balance and calm presence. This example features a subtle surface pattern that shifts gently in the light, a quiet detail that rewards close observation.

The decoration is not painted, but achieved through Suigetsu’s signature technique of carving and sandblasting the surface to varying depths. This allows the natural qualities of purple Shidei clay to emerge, revealing subtle gradations of lighter and darker tones depending on how deeply the clay is incised.

Every detail is shaped and finished entirely by hand, the result of decades of disciplined craftsmanship. The teapot stands not only as a piece of art, but also as a superbly functional tool that enhances the practice and enjoyment of tea.

Details

Origin: Mie, Japan
Artist: Shimizu Suigetsu III
Capacity: 480ml
Material: Banko-Yaki Purple Shidei Clay
Techniques: Sandblasted carving
Includes: 1x Kyusu teapot

Teaware Care

Japanese teaware is made to be used and enjoyed. With simple, consistent care, your kyusu, shiboridashi, hōhin, yunomi, and matcha ware can age beautifully over many years.

In most cases, the best approach is also the simplest: clean soon after use, use warm water, and allow every piece to dry completely before storing.

Everyday Care

After each tea session, remove the leaves and rinse your teaware as soon as possible. Letting wet leaves or tea sit for too long can lead to odors, staining, and moisture problems, especially in unglazed clay or more porous glazed wares.

For routine cleaning, warm water and a gentle hand rinse are usually enough.

Once rinsed, allow the piece to dry fully before storing it. This matters most for kyusu, shiboridashi, hōhin, and porous chawan, where moisture can linger in spouts, lids, filters, and clay bodies. Wiping with a clean cloth is fine, but air-drying is still important, especially for more absorbent wares.

What to Avoid

Avoid soap, bleach, harsh cleaners, and abrasive scrubbers on most handmade teaware.

This is especially important for unglazed interiors and porous glazes, which can absorb residues and affect the character of future brews. Dishwashers are also best avoided for most handcrafted teaware, as heat, detergents, and vibration can be hard on delicate or handmade pieces.

Unglazed Clay

Unglazed clay teapots and brewing vessels should generally be cleaned with water only. These clays can interact subtly with water and tea, and they may absorb soap or lingering aromas.

Tea stains in unglazed kyusu are not necessarily a problem. A gentle patina is often a natural part of regular use and can become part of the piece’s character over time.

Porous Glazes

More porous glazed wares need slightly more attention. Pieces with porous glazes can absorb moisture and slowly develop character through use.

Because of that porosity, these wares should be rinsed promptly after use and dried thoroughly. Soap is best avoided, since it can seep into the clay or glaze.

Kyusu Tips

Cleaning all of the leaves out of a kyusu can sometimes be difficult, especially with narrow openings or built-in filters.

A useful method is to fill the pot with water, swirl it gently to loosen the leaves, and pour them out. If small leaves cling to the filter, use a soft brush such as an old toothbrush very gently, then rinse again through the spout to ensure it is clear.

Storage

Store teaware only when completely dry. Trapped moisture can lead to mold or stale smells. For more absorbent pieces, give them extra air-drying time before putting them away in cupboards or boxes.