Tea pots and Tea Sets

The kyusu (急須) — Japan's iconic side-handled teapot — is one of the most refined and purposeful objects in Japanese ceramic craft. Designed specifically for brewing loose-leaf Japanese green teas such as sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha, the kyusu's built-in ceramic or stainless steel strainer, compact size, and precise pouring spout allow for complete control over steeping time and temperature — both critical factors in extracting the best flavor from Japanese tea.

The spiritual home of the kyusu is Tokoname (常滑), a pottery city in Aichi Prefecture with over a thousand years of ceramic history. Tokoname teapots are made from a distinctive iron-rich red clay called shudei (朱泥), which is said to subtly improve the taste of green tea over time by absorbing tannins. Many of our teapots come from Tokoname's most respected contemporary potters — pieces that represent a living tradition, not a reproduction.

Beyond the everyday kyusu, our teapot collection also includes dobin (土瓶) — the larger, round teapots used for bancha and roasted teas — as well as complete tea sets that pair a teapot with matching yunomi cups. These sets are produced in Mino, Kutani, Hasami, and other historic pottery regions, each with its own aesthetic character.

For those seeking a truly exceptional piece, we also carry masterwork teapots by individually named Japanese artisans. These are not simply teapots — they are functional sculptures, created by potters who have dedicated decades to their craft.

Whether you are building a daily tea practice or searching for a meaningful gift for a tea lover, our collection offers pieces at every level of craftsmanship and price. All items are made in Japan and ship from our US warehouse.