Japanese Kyusu - Gyokuryu Umehara - Brown Yōhen Plum Blossoms Tokoname-yaki Teapot
Best artisanal teapot for enthusiasts seeking a refined, traditional tea experience.
Experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies with this exquisite Tokoname-yaki kyusu, handcrafted by master craftsman Umehara Jiro under the Gyokuryu Umehara name. Made from rich, iron-content brown clay, this teapot features a beautiful yōhen gradient and delicately engraved plum blossoms. Its built-in ceramic sasame filter ensures a smooth pour, while the unique lip design facilitates easy cleaning. The unglazed clay is believed to enhance the mellower taste of tea. This 200ml teapot is a testament to centuries of Japanese pottery tradition from Aichi Prefecture.
$142.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1724
/ 3046
#1724 in Coffee Servers & Tea Pots
Price vs Category Average
-30%
Below average
Material
Ceramic
/ Ceramic
Who it's for
- Tea connoisseurs seeking enhanced umami and smoother flavor profiles
- Art collectors valuing traditional Japanese craftsmanship and unique kiln effects
- Ritual-focused drinkers wanting an authentic connection to Japanese tea culture
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable, mass-produced teaware
- Busy households needing durable, low-maintenance kitchen equipment
- Hosts requiring large-capacity vessels for serving multiple guests
Performance breakdown
Filtration Precision
The integrated ceramic sasame filter handles delicate tea leaves with ease.
Material Porosity
Unglazed iron-rich clay actively softens and rounds out tea flavor profiles.
Ergonomic Maintenance
Thoughtful lid design makes clearing spent leaves a quick, simple task.
Pour Consistency
Wide filter geometry ensures a steady, clog-free flow during every pour.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Hand-engraved details reflect the high-level artistry of traditional Tokoname-yaki pottery.
Thermal Retention
Thick ceramic walls provide reliable heat stability for precise tea brewing.
Key Specs
Material
Ceramic
Capacity
200 milliliters
Dimensions
14.3cm (5.6in) - width (including handle)
Dimensions
8.4cm (3.3in) - height
Condition
New
Ships from
Brooklyn, NY
Features
- Authentic Tokoname-yaki craftsmanship
- Features a built-in ceramic sasame filter for natural straining
- Wide filter shape allows for faster pouring and less clogging
- Unique lip design on the lid rest for easy leaf removal
- Unglazed clay is said to enhance tea's mellower taste
- Decorated with engraved plum blossoms and incised lines
- Handcrafted by a descendant of a renowned pottery lineage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exquisite craftsmanship and unique aesthetic of the Gyokuryu Umehara Kyusu teapot. Its Tokoname yaki origins and the beautiful Yōhen plum blossoms design are frequently highlighted as points of exceptional quality and artistic merit. Users appreciate the tactile experience and the way this teapot elevates their tea brewing ritual, making it a cherished item. The attention to detail in both form and function truly resonates, confirming its status as a premium, thoughtfully designed piece.
Know before you buy
The unglazed Tokoname-yaki clay is porous and rich in iron, which is traditionally believed to interact with tea tannins to soften the flavor and create a mellower, smoother cup.
The ceramic sasame filter is integrated directly into the clay body, which prevents the metallic aftertaste sometimes associated with stainless steel strainers. Its wide, flat design also allows for a faster, more consistent pour while effectively catching fine tea leaves.
Because the clay is unglazed and porous, it will absorb the oils and aromas of the tea over time. It is best to dedicate this pot to one specific category of tea, such as Japanese green teas, to avoid flavor contamination.
Rinse the teapot with warm water after each use and allow it to air dry completely with the lid off. The unique lip design on the lid rest makes it easier to scoop out spent tea leaves, but avoid using soap or detergents, as the porous clay can absorb those scents.
Yōhen refers to the unpredictable color variations that occur during the firing process in the kiln. This creates a unique, natural gradient on the brown clay, meaning no two teapots will have the exact same finish.
A 200ml capacity is ideal for serving one to two people, which is standard for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is perfectly sized for multiple short infusions of high-quality loose-leaf tea.
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