Featured Japanese Kyusu

Hi-a. I found this guy today for $5. Lid intact and no damage. I've found a couple similar while searching online, but I have no knowledge or context for these, so I thought to ask in general here.

The last pic is the mark w/ flour in it to make it more visible.

Thank you for any comments.

 

It's a teapot.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=kyusu+teapot

 

Yes, thank you. I was thinking (perhaps erroneously) that that was what kyusu meant...?

 

Partly guessing at first character as it seems a little incomplete, but likely 友仙 and :

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1011807568/japanese-kyusu-you-xian-yusen-nerikomi

It's not my area at all, working out who/what/value of these seems to be black magic.

 

Thank you! That appears to be a match. Very nice.

 

Forgot to answer this bit, yes it means teapot and is usually associated with side handled types.

 

You were right, a kyusu is a side handled teapot, so this model specifically. Yours is a very nice one.

Edit: Ce already specified the side handled thing.

 

Just for reference: I've copied this from the Etsy listing @Ce BCA linked:

"This Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) is made with a striking green, red, yellow, and white marbled clay. The marbled effect is produced through the nerikomi (練り込み) technique, which involves kneading different coloured clays together. The pot features a simple ceramic do-ake filter which adds no metallic tastes to the tea.

Made by the son of famed Tokoname craftsman Konishi Yohei (小西洋平), Konishi Kenji (小西研二), stamped using the name Yusen (友仙) also used by his father.

Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The site of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, pottery has been made in Tokoname since the 12th century.

Today, Tokoname ware is known for its iconic brick-red clay called shudei. Famously used in teaware and bonsai pots, this clay’s vibrant colour comes from its rich iron content. Tea steeped in unglazed Tokoname teapots is said to have a mellower taste."

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101180...how_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

 

Thanks AJ!

 

Very pretty teapot!

 

The only thing it's missing is tea.

 

(and a cup )

 

I've seen Youtube videos about the making of these, though not by this specific maker. Very intense work, not factory but artisan-made; main body and lid are wheel-thrown, filter holes, spout and handle added. I can't imagine how they can sell them at a reasonable price, given the skill and time it takes to make one. I bet they do make good tea though.

 

I found one in a similar shape once, but not made from that clay. IIRC Bakers has it now - Secret Santa struck again.