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{{#ev:youtube|Lziqw7PQp94|400|right|Dokumentary: Using Teapots - Japanese Kyusu Teapots}}

{{#ev:youtube|Lziqw7PQp94|400|right|Dokumentary: Using Teapots - Japanese Kyusu Teapots}}

'''Kyusu''' (also: kyūsu, 急須) are Japanese teapots used for brewing tea. The word "kyusu" in Japanese refers to any teapot, with a common misconception that all kyusu pots possess a side handle, which is technically the yokode kyusu. The misconception is exacerbated in light of modern parlance where "kyusu" usually refers to the side-handled yokode kyusu variety of Japanese kyusu. Kyusu teapots are generally used for brewing green tea in particular, while other varieties of tea such as black and Oolong can also be brewed depending on the variety of kyusu used and the material used to make the teapot.

'''Kyusu''' (also: kyūsu, 急須) are Japanese teapots used for brewing tea. The word "kyusu" in Japanese refers to any teapot, with a common misconception that all kyusu pots possess a side handle, which is technically the yokode kyusu. The misconception is exacerbated in light of modern parlance where "kyusu" usually refers to the side-handled yokode kyusu variety of Japanese kyusu. Kyusu teapots are generally used for brewing [[green tea]] in particular, while other varieties of tea such as [[Black tea|black]] and [[Kyusu]] can also be brewed depending on the variety of kyusu used and the material used to make the teapot.

== History and origins ==

== History and origins ==

                      The origins of the kyusu Japanese teapots are believed to have originated in China, where teaware and tea culture mainly originated. Chinese tea culture began to take root in Japan following the many diplomatic missions launched from Japan to first the Sui dynasty of China beginning in 607 CE and continuously into the reign of the Tang dynasty up until the year 839 CE.  

The origins of the kyusu Japanese teapots are believed to have originated in China, where teaware and tea culture mainly originated. Chinese tea culture began to take root in Japan following the many diplomatic missions launched from Japan to first the Sui dynasty of China beginning in 607 CE and continuously into the reign of the Tang dynasty up until the year 839 CE.  

                      Multiple other diplomatic missions would take place between the last mission to Tang China in the year 839 up into the reign of the Qing dynasty. Each successive mission would bring back information and practices that would then be interpreted and adapted into Japanese aristocratic and eventually wider culture over time.  

Multiple other diplomatic missions would take place between the last mission to Tang China in the year 839 up into the reign of the Qing dynasty. Each successive mission would bring back information and practices that would then be interpreted and adapted into Japanese aristocratic and eventually wider culture over time.  

                    Tangible and intangible goods pertaining to general Chinese culture, science, technology, different schools of Buddhism, tea culture and wares were all brought back to Japan throughout the years of these various missions. The initial teawares introduced to Japan from China and Korea were developed and modified by Japanese potters and artisans with some of the first Japanese teaware kilns being used as early as 1100 CE.  

Tangible and intangible goods pertaining to general Chinese culture, science, technology, different schools of Buddhism, tea culture and wares were all brought back to Japan throughout the years of these various missions. The initial teawares introduced to Japan from China and Korea were developed and modified by Japanese potters and artisans with some of the first Japanese teaware kilns being used as early as 1100 CE.  

                        During the reign of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in China, the Yixing style of teaware along with the method of steaming green tea leaves, known today in Japan as "sencha" were both introduced to Japan. The introduction of sencha has been credited to the Chinese monk Ingen, who is also credited with founding the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The introduction of the Yixing style of teapot, as well as the method of preparing steamed tea, leaves also led to further innovation of the native Japanese kyusu style teapots. Over time the various regional styles, shapes and crafting mediums used to create kyusu began to take on their more modern forms.  

During the reign of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in China, the Yixing style of teaware along with the method of steaming green tea leaves, known today in Japan as "sencha" were both introduced to Japan. The introduction of sencha has been credited to the Chinese monk Ingen, who is also credited with founding the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The introduction of the Yixing style of teapot, as well as the method of preparing steamed tea, leaves also led to further innovation of the native Japanese kyusu style teapots. Over time the various regional styles, shapes and crafting mediums used to create kyusu began to take on their more modern forms.  

== Kyusu production areas ==

== Kyusu production areas ==

                    Six main production areas in Japan are credited with producing some of the first iterations of the native Japanese kyusu. Each area centers around a historical kiln that may have been in use to produce ceramic, clay and/or earthenware far before producing teaware specifically.

 

Six main production areas in Japan are credited with producing some of the first iterations of the native Japanese kyusu. Each area centers around a historical kiln that may have been in use to produce ceramic, clay and/or earthenware far before producing teaware specifically.

=== Banko Yaki ===

=== Banko Yaki ===

=== Onko Yaki ===

=== Onko Yaki ===

Onko Yaki is located in Gifu Prefecture.

Onko Yaki is located in Gifu Prefecture.

=== Mino Yaki ===

=== Mino Yaki ===

=== Tokonome Yaki ===

=== Tokonome Yaki ===

Tokonome Yaki is located in Aichi Prefecture. This area is said to have begun producing ceramics and clayware as early as the 8th or 9th century CE during Japan's Heian era. Tokoname is one of the oldest kilns in Japan. This area specializes in producing red clay kyusu. Some of the smaller kyusu pots from Tokonome feature lids that do not fall off due to water adhesion keeping the lid fastened. Another interesting feature of some of the Tokonome Yaki teapots is a special spout crafted at an angle. The special angle allows these items to pour without leaking. Tokoname ware is one of the largest production areas in Japan for teaware and tableware as well as the "manekineko" or "lucky-waving-cat" statuettes popular in Japan and abroad.

Tokoname Yaki is located in Aichi Prefecture. This area is said to have begun producing ceramics and clayware as early as the 8th or 9th century CE during Japan's Heian era. Tokoname is one of the oldest kilns in Japan. This area specializes in producing red clay kyusu. Some of the smaller kyusu pots from Tokonome feature lids that do not fall off due to water adhesion keeping the lid fastened. Another interesting feature of some of the Tokoname Yaki teapots is a special spout crafted at an angle. The special angle allows these items to pour without leaking. Tokoname ware is one of the largest production areas in Japan for teaware and tableware as well as the "manekineko" or "lucky-waving-cat" statuettes popular in Japan and abroad.

=== Mumyoi Yaki ===

=== Mumyoi Yaki ===

== Kyusu production ==

== Kyusu production ==

   

   

                            Many of the traditional production areas are located along the Japan Median Tectonic Line (JMTL) and the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line (ISTL). The volcanic activity along these faultlines contributes to clay deposits that are rich in minerals. This makes the clay from this area sought after in order to emulate the zisha purple sand ceramic found in China. Using clay similar to zisha clay in composition and appearance also further allows kyusu to emulate the Chinese Yixing style pots which many kyusu are modeled after.  

Today kyusu come in all manner of colors, shapes, styles, and motifs. Glazed and unglazed clay pots in the style of Yixing, as well as ceramic pots, earthenware and cast iron, can be found among the kyusu category of teapots. Many kyusu are still produced on rotating potter's wheels.

                      Today kyusu come in all manner of colors, shapes, styles, and motifs. Glazed and unglazed clay pots in the style of Yixing, as well as ceramic pots, earthenware and cast iron, can be found among the kyusu category of teapots. Many kyusu are still produced on rotating potter's wheels.

The interior of kyusu pots contain either stainless steel or ceramic mesh. Stainless steel mesh are usually fitted into the pot itself and are ideal for smaller leaf or powdered teas. The ceramic mesh is generally used with larger whole leaf tea or tea bags.  

Kyusu of all styles are popular throughout Japan, especially for brewing green tea in the morning and throughout the day. Different types and styles of kyusu will be used for different situations and for brewing different types of tea.

 

                    Kyusu of all styles are popular throughout Japan, especially for brewing green tea in the morning and throughout the day. Different types and styles of kyusu will be used for different situations and for brewing different types of tea.

== Types of kyusu ==

== Types of kyusu ==

Folktales from the Edo era such as Bunbuku Chagama (分福茶釜/ 文福茶釜/ The lucky tea kettle) feature tanuki/raccoon-dog, badger or fox spirits taking on the form of teapots and tea kettles and performing miraculous and incredulous tasks and deeds for their owners, usually of the benevolent and entertaining nature.

Folktales from the Edo era such as Bunbuku Chagama (分福茶釜/ 文福茶釜/ The lucky tea kettle) feature tanuki/raccoon-dog, badger or fox spirits taking on the form of teapots and tea kettles and performing miraculous and incredulous tasks and deeds for their owners, usually of the benevolent and entertaining nature.

* [[Chawan]]

* [[Chawan]]

* [[Tetsubin]], a cast iron Japanese kettle

* [[Tetsubin]], a cast iron Japanese kettle

* [[Yixing]]

* [[Yixing]]

* [[Gaiwan]]

* [[Gaiwan]]

[[Category:Tea accessory]]

[[Category:Tea accessory]]

[[de:Kyusu]]

[[de:Kyusu]]