{"product_id":"banko-yaki-kyusu-teapot-suigetsu-ii-490ml","title":"Banko-yaki Kyusu Teapot - Suigetsu II – 490ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e*Rare Find*\u003cbr\u003eThis handmade Banko-yaki kyusu is a  Japanese side-handle teapot made approximately 50 years ago by the second-generation Suigetsu, Shimizu Gen (1901-1990), one of the most respected names in the history of Yokkaichi teaware. The unglazed body is hand-carved with cranes in flight, a classic Japanese motif of longevity and good fortune. Second Generation Suigetsu items are known to be hard to come by. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the artist:  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShimizu Gen was the second-generation master of Suigetsu Toen, the Banko-ware pottery founded in 1900 in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, the historic heart of Banko-yaki. He devoted himself entirely to the kyusu and was the potter who brought the workshop onto the potter's wheel. A teapot from his hand is both a working tea tool and a piece of Banko-yaki history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAwards and recognition (Shimizu Gen, 2nd-generation Suigetsu):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesignated a holder of Intangible Cultural Property by Yokkaichi City\u003cbr\u003eRecipient of the Mie Prefecture Distinguished Service Award\u003cbr\u003eRecipient of the Yokkaichi City Distinguished Service Award for Culture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in the classic Banko tradition from unglazed shidei (iron-rich purple clay): the natural iron softens the tannins in green tea, mellowing bitterness and drawing a rounder, sweeter cup from sencha and gyokuro. Because the clay is unglazed, the teapot seasons with use, deepening in color and luster the more you brew.\u003cbr\u003eAs a daily tea tool it is a joy to handle. The side handle gives controlled one-handed pouring, the tapered spout pours cleanly without dripping, and the built-in ceramic strainer holds back loose leaves for a clear cup, ideal for Japanese green tea and gongfu brewing alike.\u003cbr\u003eThis Teapot arrives with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and documentation, the mark of an authentic, collectible piece by a recognized master.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapacity: [495 ml]\u003cbr\u003eArtist: Shimizu Gen, second-generation Suigetsu\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003eFeature:  Rare Find\u003cbr\u003eWare: Banko-yaki (unglazed shidei purple clay)\u003cbr\u003eTechnique: Hand-carved crane and pine motif\u003cbr\u003eIncludes: Original signed wooden box (tomobako) and documentation\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artisanal Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45206565060723,"sku":null,"price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/2286\/4755\/files\/20260626_165751_copy.png?v=1783643695","url":"https:\/\/artisanaljapan.com\/products\/banko-yaki-kyusu-teapot-suigetsu-ii-490ml","provider":"Artisanal Japan","version":"1.0","type":"link"}