Kyusu is simply the Japanese word for teapot. This Japanese-style set, made in China, holds a ceramic teapot and four matching cups. The glaze runs in bands, green at the bottom, brownish in the middle and beige at the top, with a gently rustic finish. Together the pieces weigh about 1.15 kg, and the teapot measures about 12 × 12 × 10 cm.
Cups without handles
The cups have no handles, which is the usual shape for Japanese tea. One hand holds the cup while the other supports its base, so you can feel through your palm how warm the tea still is.
A cord-wrapped handle
The teapot's handle arches over the top and is wrapped in cord, so you can hold it steadily with one hand while pouring. When you tip out the last drops, steady the lid with a finger of your other hand.
For Japanese green tea
Japanese green tea is not made with water straight off the boil. The boiled water is left to cool for a few minutes first, because water that is too hot turns the tea bitter. Many people pour the water into the cups first and then into the pot, which also warms the cups. For black tea or fruit tea, freshly boiled water is fine.
In an autumn-themed gift box
The set arrives in an orange gift box printed with bare autumn trees and a small boat. As a present, you can hand it over in its box.
Anyone who enjoys green tea or Japanese food will find it a pleasure to use every day as well. Four cups are enough for a small family tea, and the earthy glaze looks its best on a wooden table or a linen mat.