Japanese Kyusu Murata Yoshiki Black Red Yohen Tokoname Yaki Teapot
Best artisanal teapot for tea enthusiasts seeking a smoother, balanced brew.
This exquisite Tokoname-yaki kyusu, or teapot, is handcrafted by artist Murata Yoshiki. Made from iconic Tokoname shudei clay, its unique yōhen gradient transitions from rich red to deep black, a result of a special reduction firing. The unpolished sujihiki surface showcases the potter's touch, with visible finger marks on the body, handle, and spout. It features a built-in ceramic debeso filter for natural straining and arrives in a signed paulownia wood box. This teapot is designed to subtly reduce the astringency of tea, enhancing its natural flavor.
$228.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
373
/ 3081
#373 in Coffee Servers & Tea Pots
Price vs Category Average
+12%
Above average
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking unique, kiln-fired functional art pieces
- Tea enthusiasts prioritizing clean pours and full leaf expansion
- Connoisseurs wanting to soften bitterness and enhance tea sweetness
Who should skip it
- Users preferring durable, worry-free kitchenware for daily use
- Busy drinkers wanting low-maintenance, versatile brewing equipment
- Casual tea drinkers on a strict budget
Performance breakdown
Flavor Enhancement
Shudei clay effectively mellows astringency for a smoother, balanced cup.
Filtration Precision
Ceramic debeso filter provides natural, clog-resistant straining for loose leaves.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Hand-finished sujihiki texture highlights the potter's unique, tactile signature.
Ergonomic Handling
Compact design offers a comfortable grip for precise, controlled pouring.
Aesthetic Appeal
Striking yōhen gradient creates a sophisticated visual centerpiece for tea service.
Storage Quality
Signed paulownia box ensures premium protection and elegant long-term storage.
Key Specs
Made in Japan
Capacity
230 ml
Width
15 cm (5.9 in) (including handle)
Height
6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Features
- Unique yōhen gradient firing effect
- Sujihiki surface finish highlights handmade texture
- Built-in ceramic debeso filter for natural straining
- Includes original kiribako (paulownia wood box) signed by the artist
- Shudei clay reduces tea astringency for a mellower taste
- Hand-finished texture showcasing potter's touch
- Enhances tea flavor by reducing astringency
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional craftsmanship and striking aesthetic of this Tokoname yaki teapot. The unique black and red yohen finish offers a sophisticated look that elevates any tea ritual. Users appreciate the precise pour and the ergonomic handle which provides a comfortable grip during use. The fine ceramic filter is frequently mentioned as a standout feature for its ability to strain tea leaves effectively while maintaining the purity of the flavor. This piece is viewed as a functional work of art that balances traditional techniques with modern elegance.
Know before you buy
Shudei clay is known for its porous nature, which helps to absorb some of the tannins in tea. This process subtly reduces astringency, resulting in a smoother, mellower flavor profile.
The debeso filter is integrated directly into the clay body of the teapot. It uses a series of small, precisely placed holes to strain tea leaves naturally without the need for an external metal mesh, which can sometimes affect the taste of delicate teas.
Yōhen refers to a specific reduction firing technique that creates unpredictable color variations. In this case, it produces a distinct gradient transition from deep black to rich red, making every piece unique.
While the sujihiki finish provides a beautiful, tactile texture that highlights the potter's hand-finishing, it also offers a better grip. The visible finger marks on the body and handle are intentional design choices that reflect the artisan's process.
Rinse the teapot with warm water after each use and allow it to air dry completely with the lid off. Avoid using soap or detergents, as the porous clay can absorb these scents and affect the flavor of future brews.
A 230 ml capacity is ideal for serving one to two people, depending on the size of your tea cups. It is perfectly sized for multiple infusions of high-quality loose-leaf teas like Sencha or Gyokuro.
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