Choosing the Best Japanese Tea Set for Your Favorite Green Tea
| Tea Variety | Teapot Size | Teacup Size | Recommended Tea Set |
| Gyokuro | 120 cc | 40 cc | Bamboo Hohin + Bamboo Yuzamashi + Bamboo ... |
| Kabusecha | 130 cc | 70 cc | Hasamiyaki Hira Kyusu + Hasamiyaki Tea C ... |
| Sencha | 250 cc | 120 cc | Sabisenmon Kyusu + Sabisenmon Tea Cup |
| Fukamushicha | 240 cc | 90 cc | Hokuryu Fukurogata Kyusu + Pine Needle T ... |
What are Japanese teapots made of?
In general, Japanese teapots are made with either clay (stoneware) or porcelain materials. Porcelain teapots are versatile in their ability to brew just about any tea since the pot doesn’t absorb the aroma of the tea. As for clay teapots, you will find more interplay between the tea and the pot.
Which type of teapot is best for You?
Porcelain teapots are versatile in their ability to brew just about any tea since the pot doesn’t absorb the aroma of the tea. As for clay teapots, you will find more interplay between the tea and the pot. Clay varieties like Tokoname-yaki and Banko-yaki are known for contributing to a mellower tasting tea as well as enhancing the umami component.
How to choose the right Japanese teapot?
Choosing the right Japanese teapot will depend on your tea brewing style. If you prefer high-quality green teas or single-servings, a hôhin, Yokode kyusu, or a shiboridashi is the best choice. If you like to brew larger quantities, the uwade or ushirode kyusu is a better fit.
What is a Japanese tetsubin teapot?
The Japanese tetsubin is a cast iron teapot. In Japan, the cast iron tetsubin teapot is traditionally used as a sencha teapot to heat water and brew sencha tea in teacups. The cast-iron construction heats tea quickly and keeps it hot for longer than porcelain or clay alternatives.
What are Japanese tea pots made of?
Japanese Teapot Materials Most Japanese teapots are made of clay or porcelain.
What kind of clay is used for Japanese teapots?
fired volcanic clayKyusu (急須) are traditional Japanese teapots mainly made of fired volcanic clay of very high quality. The word kyusu simply means teapot, even though in common usage kyusu usually does refer to a teapot with a side handle.
What is a traditional Japanese teapot called?
A kyusu, sometimes spelled kyuusu, is a traditional Japanese teapot used for brewing Japanese green tea. The most common type of kyusu comes with a handle on the side, although it can also have a handle on the back or over the top.
What material is best for a tea set?
Bone china and porcelain cups (which are also sometimes clubbed under ceramic) have been used for ages as teaware, and are the material of choice when it comes to drinking tea. When made the right way, porcelain is amazingly non-porous, and the vitrified glaze makes it non-reactive as well.
Are clay teapots better?
There are numerous benefits of using a clay pot for tea brewing. The unglazed clay inside the teapot softens the texture of the water, therefore making the infusion silkier and more luxurious on the palate. Unglazed clay is also porous, retaining the aromatic oils of every tea brewed in the pot.
How do you choose a clay teapot?
6:268:19How to choose your first Yixing Zisha (purple clay) teapot? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst is how expensive is this teapot. So the higher the grade of the teapot. The clay great the theMoreFirst is how expensive is this teapot. So the higher the grade of the teapot. The clay great the the better the craftsmanship. I tend to dedicated the teapot to one specific teas.
Why are Japanese teapots so small?
Short steeps ensure the tea is still hot when poured, while small volumes allow the tea to cool quickly for drinking. In many ways, small pots simply allow for more precision in the brew, since the water is infused with flavor more quickly, and can be drained from the leaves all at once.
How do you use a ceramic Japanese teapot?
Ceramic Japanese tea pots require nothing more than hot water and your hands. We recommend rinsing out your leaves when you are finished (try to avoid leaving the wet leaf to sit in the teapot overnight). Rinse your teapot well with warm water and use your hand to remove any small particles that may be hiding in there.
How do you season a Japanese teapot?
Seasoning Your Yixing Clay Teapot pick a clean pot, fill it with filtered water, boil the water and then bring it to simmering. put a clean white towel on the bottom of the pot. let it boil for 5-10 minutes. If the new teapot has a strong earthy smell, let it boil for longer, up to an hour.
Is glass or ceramic better for tea?
The differences between the tea cup systems The ceramic cup, due to its thicker wall will retain heat longer than the glass cup. With the glass cup, you can watch your tea steep. A visual cue helps monitor the tea steeping. The ceramic cup is more forgiving material and less likely to break.
Is porcelain best for tea?
Porcelain teapots are very prone to staining, especially when being used for black tea. And depending on the design of your teapot, it may be very hard to clean out the inside, especially if you have large hands such as myself. But on the positive side porcelain is flavor neutral.
Is ceramic teapot good?
Ceramic teapots are particularly useful for tea brewing since they are easy to maintain and offer excellent heat retention. These pots can break more easily than cast iron teapots, but they also require less care, making them the perfect choice for tea enthusiasts.
How do you use a Japanese clay teapot?
1:176:32Different Types of Japanese Teapots and How to Use Them - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd let the tea brew for one minute when pouring tea for four people like this you will want to useMoreAnd let the tea brew for one minute when pouring tea for four people like this you will want to use the alternate pouring method. Because the tea leaves settle to the bottom of the teapot.
How do you clean kyusu clay?
Clean well with a brush to avoid stain. It is recommended to use soft brush (“lid shelf brush” (soft brush)). Gently rub with the brush with running water or clean water to wash away the tea liquid and dirt. Wipe the lid shelf with a towel and make sure no dirt and stain is left on it.
Why are Japanese teapots so small?
Short steeps ensure the tea is still hot when poured, while small volumes allow the tea to cool quickly for drinking. In many ways, small pots simply allow for more precision in the brew, since the water is infused with flavor more quickly, and can be drained from the leaves all at once.
What is a Shiboridashi?
Shiboridashi (絞り出し) are palm sized, handleless brew vessels that have been adapted for relatively slow and cool temperature brewing. Literally translated as "to squeeze out", Shiboridashi are known to "squeeze out" the natural umami of shaded Japanese teas, namely gyokuro and kabusecha, as well as premium senchas.
What are the materials used in Japanese tea?
Most Japanese tea sets feature built-in tea infusers of filters. The most common materials are clay and porcelain. The material matches the construction of the kyusu or hôhin and keeps the leaves or tea dust from entering teacups when poured. Some Japanese style teapots contain metal filters.
What is a Japanese teapot?
Japanese porcelain teapots are generally used for other types of tea. Since the porcelain is not porous, it doesn't absorb flavor and can be used to brew different types of tea.
What is a tetsubin?
Tetsubin. The Japanese tetsubin is a cast iron teapot. In Japan, the cast iron tetsubin teapot is traditionally used as a sencha teapot to heat water and brew sencha tea in teacups. The cast-iron construction heats tea quickly and keeps it hot for longer than porcelain or clay alternatives. The cast iron tea kettle may feature an enamel coating on ...
What are the most famous teapots?
Within these prefectures, Iwachu and Tokoname are some of the most prolific teapot creators. Famous teapots include the Banko teapot, Arita Yaki, Onko, Mumyoi Yaki, and Tokoname Yaki, which derive their names from the clay and regions where they are created. The type of clay used in their construction also distinguishes the teapots.
How does a teapot work?
The spout is located at a 90-degree angle from the handle. The teapot allows the tea drinker to hold the handle and place their thumb on the lid to pour using one hand.
What are the different types of Japanese teapots?
3 Types of Japanese Teapots (Kyusu) Japanese teapots come in three main shapes and are also known as kyusus. The teapot handles make each style distinctive and add a new dimension to the art of brewing and pouring tea. The teapots are created mainly in the Mie, Gifu, Aichi, and Niigata prefectures. Within these prefectures, Iwachu ...
What is a uwade kyusu?
Uwade Kyusu (Top-Handle Teapot) An Uwade kyusu features a distinct handle located directly at the top of the pot. The handle is usually made of a different material from the rest of the pot. For example, if the pot is porcelain, the handle may be made of bamboo, plastic, or rattan.
What is a teacup with a tapered side?
Teacups with Tapered Sides. Tea cups of this shape can enhance the green tea’s aroma and are a great option for varieties like gyokuro and sencha. Teacups with Straight Sides. The stately silhouette of this shape functions to maintain the temperature of tea.
Why is the color of the teacup important?
For green tea, the color of the teacup matters more on the inside than the outside since it can affect the visual color of the tea when poured into the cup. As such, you may wish to acquire an additional set of white teacups for when showing the vibrant color of the green tea is important.
What is a clay teapot filter?
Almost always the preferred choice in high-quality Japanese teapots, clay filters are built into the teapot, using the same materials as the vessel. Unlike many stainless steel teapot filters, the clay filters allow the tea to fully steep in the water without coming into contact with any metal.
What is the difference between porcelain and clay teapots?
In general, Japanese teapots are made with either clay (stoneware) or porcelain materials. Porcelain teapots are versatile in their ability to brew just about any tea since the pot doesn’t absorb the aroma of the tea. As for clay teapots, you will find more interplay between the tea and the pot .
What side is the yokode kyusu?
Yokode Kyusu (Side-handled Teapot) The handle on a yokode kyusu is placed on the side of the teapot (usually the right side), which allows the thumb to be placed on top of the lid, preventing the lid from falling off while you are pouring. Browse our Yokode Kyusu.
What are teacups made of?
In general, teacups come in three types: porcelain, clay and glass. Porcelain Teacups. Japanese porcelain teacups are very popular in Japan and can be found in most Japanese homes. They are thin, lightweight and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Clay Teacups.
How many different shapes are there in Japanese teapots?
There are four basic shapes for Japanese teapots with the main difference found in the handle’s design. If you have researched Japanese teapots before, you may also be confused between the difference between a Japanese teapot and a “kyusu”; the two are one and the same.
How many ounces of Kyusu tea?
Kyusu are usually smaller than a western teapot, around 100-300 ml (3-10 fl. oz) is common. A teapot with a volume of more than 300ml (10fl. oz) is perfect for several guests. The green tea leaves are brewed loose in the pot with plenty of room to develop their aromas and flavors.
What is a Kyusu teapot?
Kyusu (急須) are traditional Japanese teapots mainly made of fired volcanic clay of very high quality . The word kyusu simply means teapot, even though in common usage kyusu usually does refer to a teapot with a side handle.
Where is Kyusu made?
If you are looking for a simple kyusu for daily life, you will find various ceramics boutiques strolling around Kyoto’s touristic areas and Asakusa neighborhood in Tokyo. Our advice is to double-check the labels and provenance, as some (unexpensive) kyusu are made in China or Vietnam.
When was the side handle kyusu invented?
The creation of the side-handle kyusu ( yokode kyusu) took place in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) . This teapot was used for the preparation of powdered green tea. It is still used today for herbal infusions, which are very common in China.
What is the clay in tea?
Clay, a highly mineralized material, reacts with the minerals contained in hot water during infusion. Each type of clay contains varying levels of iron, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese and so on. However, the manufacturing process also has an influence on the taste of the green tea.
Can you order a new lid for a Kyusu teapot?
Each teapot is fired with the lid placed on. If you break the lid of your teapot, it is not possible to order a new one. Nevertheless, the Japanese solution of kintsugi repair may your lid a second chance. 5.
Who invented the senchado?
Baisao is regarded as the founder of the senchado (way of sencha ). Find out more about matcha with 10 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know about Matcha Tea. Some of the first Japanese kyusu were created by Aoki Mokubei (1767-1833), an art lover, potter and painter, with a passion for Chinese culture. 3.
What is a glass Japanese teapot?
Choosing a glass Japanese pot set means choosing an excellent ware excellent monitoring options. The teapots are non-reactive and feature non-grease surfaces that are dishwasher safe. With some level of cautiousness, the more durable borosilicate glass Japanese teapots will creep in and rectify all the inefficiencies in your current tea brewing.
What is a clay teapot?
Most Japanese teapots feature clay structuring for both the body, spout and the handles. One factor that is so evident in clay pots is their potential for absorbing the taste of different teas. They are the best when it comes to brewing green teas. Choosing a clay Japanese teapot means buying different pots for different types of teas. Otherwise, other than delicate, the clay pots have high value for money; and are easy to use and maintain.
What is a Tetsubin teapot?
Tetsubin pots are Japanese handcrafted pots that are made exclusively with cast iron. Most of them feature enamelled inner surfaces. Unlike other Japanese teapots, this brand is made solely for infusion of mostly black, green and oolong tea. Additionally, the pots also feature a patina that is mainly to prevent oxidation hence leading to flavorful drinks.
What is a kyusu?
Ushirode kyusu refers to the back-handled Kyusu –a popular design with roots from the Chinese traditional pots. It is widely used in western cultures. The pot features a narrow and ergonomic spout; and a lid at the top that can be fixed tightly in place to avoid spillage during the serving process. The capacity of Ushirode kyusus is relative to the materials they are made with.
What is a Uwade?
Uwade is a hype kyusu whose handle is located directly at the top of the body. Usually, the handle is made with a different material from the body. The most popular handles are made with bamboo since they are not only beautiful but also offer cutting-edge insulation value.
How many holes are there in a Houbin tea pot?
When choosing the pot, take a look at the holes that lead to the spout in the inner surface. You will realize that the number of holes varies from three to four holes. However, some Japanese brands feature no whole at all. To use such antiques, you need to be cautious about the quality of the strainer used during the brewing process. On the other hand, Houbin pots come handy with in-built strainers. They are ideal for solo steeping using either tea bags or green loose leaves.
What is a yokode teapot?
Yokode teapot stands out for its unique ornamental features that consist of a distinctively structured spout at a near-ninety degrees angle from the handle. They are the most popular pots ever in the Japanese tea culture. According to tea legends, Japanese used to serve the tea while seated on the traditional tatami mat. The mat only allowed for the host and guest to sit across or parallel to each other. The cylindrical Yokode spout allowed for efficient serving without the need to stand.
What is the difference between Shigaraki and Hagi?
Shigaraki ware (Shiga Prefecture) has a simplistic warmth, while Hagi ware (Yamaguchi Prefecture) is identified by pale emerald greens, light pinks, and other subtle colors. The colors, patterns, and textures of pottery will vary from region to region.
What are tea trays used for?
They are mainly used as a show of hospitality to one’s guests . Similarly, obon, or tea trays are often used when serving tea to guests. There are a variety of obon trays including wooden trays, red or black lacquered trays, and mother-of-pearl trays to name just a few. Any of these trays are bound to enhance the beauty of your tea ware!
What is a chataku tea set?
It’s safe to think of them as the saucers you’d find in a set. They are mainly used as a show of hospitality to one’s guests.
What is the difference between a Kyusu teapot and a Ushirode teapot?
The yokote type has a side handle that is perpendicular to the spout, the uwate type has a top handle, while the ushirode type has a handle on the opposite (the back) side of the spout. Ushirode teapots are commonly found in countries with a thriving tea culture, such as China and Taiwan.
What teapots are used for green tea?
But if you're looking for something more particular, we recommend a kyusu teapot. These teapots are specifically used for brewing green tea.
What is a Yunomi cup?
Yunomi are long, cylindrical cups mainly used for drinking green tea at home. This cup is best for slowly sipping tea since the shape prevents heat from escaping. On the other hand, sencha bowls are similar to teacups but are characterized by wider mouths.
What kind of tea is used in Japan?
Some people may imagine different tea varieties, like sencha (regular green tea), gyokuro (refined green tea), or hojicha (roasted green tea). Others might think of delicious desserts crafted with tea leaves. Loose-leaf teas, tea bags, and green tea desserts are some of the most popular souvenirs from Japan. Our writer recommends complimenting ...
Why You Should Get Japanese Teapots?
Tea drinking is a form of art. Over generations, the Japanese have mastered the art of preparing tea. And Japanese teapots are specifically designed to create the finest tea with the most exquisite flavors.
What to Look for When Buying Japanese Teapots?
Choosing the best Japanese teapot for you can be difficult, especially if you don’t know how to identify the best one for you. However, with these criteria in mind, finding the best teapot will be much easier.
1. Best Overall: Hario Cha Kyusu Maru Japanese Teapot
Take a look at this Hario teapot if you prefer flowering or loose leaf teas. It comes in a high-quality Japanese glass that lets you see the color of various teas.
2. Best Design: Happy Sales HSTS-PMR02 Japanese Tea Set
In one teapot set, you have both beauty and performance. Happy Sales’ product is made of high-quality porcelain in a red finish with black Kanji calligraphy.
3. Best Cast Iron: TOPTIER Japanese Cast Iron Teapot
This teapot by TOPTIER features a vintage design and solid construction. It is composed of cast iron, which ensures that the tea temperature is maintained.
4. Best Durable: TOWA Workshop Japanese Tetsubin
Are you looking for a reliable teapot? TOWA’s product is made of cast iron with a rust-resistant enamel inner coating.
5. Best Tea Set: MIYA Japanese Ocean Blue Five-Piece Tea Set
If you want a teapot, it’s a good idea to hunt for teacups that go with it. But there’s no need to go any farther because this excellent tea set from MIYA is the best that we can suggest.
A guide to understanding the Japanese tradition of Kyusu making
I receive several emails a week from customers asking about Japanese tea pots.
What are those side handled pots?
One of the most often asked questions We receive in our Brooklyn gallery space is “what are those side handled pots?” They are of course referring to a Kyusu - the famous side handled tea pots used throughout Japan.
Where is Tokoname and why is it so popular for making Japanese tea pots?
Tokoname, a small town in Aichi Prefecture, produces the majority of Japanese tea pots - many in the orangeish iron rich clay of the area. Tokoname has a rich history of ceramics that dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185).
Japanese tea pots seem kind of small. Why is that?
Japanese tea pots can range in size but the most popular range is about 5-9oz (150-266cc). A serving of tea in Japan is often smaller than the mug sized servings we are used to in the west and smaller pots allow for a level of balance and control that can be difficult to attain as water is added to the tea pot.
Can I use my tea pot to brew any kind of tea?
Japanese tea pots made from unglazed clay are mildly porous and can absorb flavors and aromas from the tea brewed in them. Because of that, it is a good idea to stick to a common style of tea for each teapot. To be honest, the biggest thing to avoid is flavored or scented teas like Jasmine or herbal blends.
What do you recommend for brewing Gyokuro?
A serving of Gyokuro (often to people's surprise) is much smaller than other type of Japanese tea. A single serving can range from 30-90cc. Because of that, smaller or delicate tea pots are often used. While you can make Gyokuro in a normal sized kyusu, it is a nice ritual to have a separate piece that you can bring out to brew the good stuff.
Can I put my tea pot on the stove?
No, you can’t. Japanese ceramic teapots are meant to brew tea, not boil water. When they are heated directly they will crack. Instead, use a Tetsubin. Tetsubin are cast iron kettles that are meant to be heated over charcoal, electric burners or indirect flame.
3 Types of Japanese Teapots
Other Japanese Teapot Styles
- Tetsubin
The Japanese tetsubin is a cast iron teapot. In Japan, the cast iron tetsubin teapot is traditionally used as a sencha teapot to heat water and brew sencha tea in teacups. The cast-iron construction heats tea quickly and keeps it hot for longer than porcelain or clay alternatives. The cast iron te… - Hôhin
A Hôhin is a Japanese teapot that does not have a handle. It is designed to be held directly in cupped hands. This allows the tea drinker to enjoy the feel and warmth of the tea, adding a new dimension to the tea drinking process. Since there is no handle, this teapot should be used to br…
Choosing A Filter
- Most Japanese tea sets feature built-in tea infusers of filters. The most common materials are clay and porcelain. The material matches the construction of the kyusu or hôhin and keeps the leaves or tea dust from entering teacups when poured. Some Japanese style teapots contain metal filters. Most tea connoisseurs avoid metal since it may alter the flavor of certain types of t…
Choosing A Japanese Teapot
- Japanese teapots offer a stunning variety of ways to brew tea as a work of art. From Banko ware made of purple clay to the red clay Tokoname pots, there are dozens of options. Choosing the right Japanese teapot will depend on your tea brewing style. If you prefer high-quality green teas or single-servings, a hôhin, Yokode kyusu, or a shiboridashi is the best choice. If you like to brew …
Choosing A Japanese Teapot
Choosing A Japanese Teacup
- Once you have found your favorite green teaand the right teapot, all you need is the perfect Japanese teacup to bring out the tea’s flavor and aroma. Unlike Japanese teapots, there are not hard rules or guidelines assigning a specific teacup shape to a specific tea variety. However, since each tea variety is steeped differently to enhance its uniqu...
Choosing The Best Japanese Tea Set For Your Favorite Green Tea
- The information above should guide you in choosing both a teapot and teacup that enhances your green tea experience. However, if some of the concepts explained here are still a little difficult to put together, you can use the following table to help you choose the best Japanese tea set by green tea variety.