This 1.2 litre black Tetsukyusu teapot is a companion for larger tea gatherings: when 4 to 6 guests sit around the table and nobody wants to keep refilling the pot every minute. The pot is made in China in the Japanese Tetsukyusu style, with a black enamelled finish. The total weight is 1.691 kilograms – this is a genuinely heavy piece, so it is worth using both hands when pouring. The traditional sisal rope on the handle gives a firmer grip. A stainless steel mesh filter is supplied with the pot.
Who the larger size suits
The 1.2 litre Tetsukyusu provides enough tea for 10 Japanese Tetsubin style cups of 120 ml each – plenty for a longer friends' or family gathering. If you often host a circle of friends, a literary afternoon or a yoga group, this size is well suited. Many also choose it for homes where two or three adults drink tea every day and do not enjoy refilling the pot every few minutes.
The character of the Tetsukyusu style
Tetsukyusu is a traditional Japanese teapot shape. The inside is enamelled so the iron stays neutral to the taste of the tea, while the outside is finished in colour – this piece in black enamel. The larger capacity is matched by a proportionally larger iron body, which keeps the warmth even longer. The base carries the polished surface used by Japanese tea masters.
How it keeps the tea warm
Thanks to the mass of cast iron, this pot holds tea warm for longer than the smaller versions. Filled with boiling water, the walls and base together cool to lukewarm in roughly 50–60 minutes. For a longer conversation this gives comfortable heat retention. On a teapot warmer stand, the tea can be kept warm for 1.5 to 2 hours.
The filter and loose-leaf tea
A stainless steel, fine-mesh filter is included with the pot, made for steeping loose-leaf tea. The larger capacity allows you to steep more tea at once – about 12 grams of leaf tea per round is suitable for 1.2 litres. Steeping time depends on the type: green tea 2–3 minutes, black tea 4–5 minutes, herbal blends 5–7 minutes.
Cleaning and care
Wash by hand with lukewarm water and a soft sponge. Do not use dish soap and never place it in the dishwasher – 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. Avoid strongly acidic teas (lemon blends), and never set it on an open flame.