The black Tetsukyusu teapot is one embodiment of classic Japanese aesthetics: restrained, serious, yet a warm presence on a dining table. The pot holds 0.6 litres, is made in China in the Japanese Tetsukyusu style, with a black enamelled finish. The weight is 1.131 kilograms. The sisal rope on the handle gives a firmer grip and protects from the warm side of the iron. A stainless steel mesh filter for loose-leaf tea is supplied with the pot.
Why the black version
Black is one of the most frequent choices for Japanese teapots. The reason is simple: black is a neutral, quiet colour that does not burden the aesthetics of the space, while it also brings out the iron material at its best. On a wooden table, on a grey stone plate or as part of a linen setting, it looks equally well. You receive an object that does not need much decoration around it, yet fills a room with presence.
How it keeps the tea warm
The cast iron body warms up slowly and cools down slowly. When you fill the pot with boiling water, the iron holds the warmth for a long time and releases it evenly, sip by sip. Many ceramic teapots cool to lukewarm after 20 minutes – the Tetsukyusu, by contrast, can stay pleasantly warm for 40 to 50 minutes. Equally suited to long conversations and to receiving guests.
The mesh filter for loose-leaf tea
A stainless steel, fine-mesh filter is included with the pot. It is made for steeping loose-leaf tea: the leaves open up their flavour in the water, and the filter lifts out cleanly, so you can control the steeping time precisely. It works well with Chinese herbal teas, Japanese sencha, ginger-lemon blends and hibiscus.
Practical advice for use
Before the first use, rinse the pot with warm water and let it warm through. Prepare your tea at the right water temperature (green tea 70–80 °C, black tea 95–100 °C). After use, pour out the tea, let the pot cool down, and rinse with lukewarm water. Strongly acidic teas (lemon blends) are best prepared in a cup rather than in the pot. Never set it on an open flame – this is a serving pot, not a kettle.
Cleaning and storage
Wash by hand with lukewarm water and a soft sponge. Do not use dish soap and never place it in the dishwasher. The hot water, steam and strong chemicals can damage the enamel and the black iron exterior. Dry with a kitchen cloth and let it air out upside down. Store in a dry place together with the lid. From time to time you can polish it with a soft cloth.