The Kyusu ; The Japanese Tea Pot

 

Kyusu are one of the most complex and challenging vessels in the Japanese Ceramic repertoire, and are often the last task given to a deshi before graduating from a traditional pottery apprenticeship. Deceivingly simple and unobtrusive, the small, side handled tea pot is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, brewing and serving green tea at work or at home, for one's self, family, colleagues and guests. Apart from simply brewing delicious tea, an ideal Kyusu is comfortable and balanced to hold, pours smoothly without dripping or dribbling, and is beautiful and harmonious to the eye. 

The component parts of the kyusu, body, lid, handle, and spout, are usually made separately, on the potters wheel, molded, or hand built, and assembled into a well balanced and unified work of art. It can become a unique sculptural expression or an example of fine functional design. 

Making Kyusu is a challenging design exercise and builds the practical skills necessary to make small plates and bowls, cylinders, bottle forms, open spherical forms and lidded forms; throwing, trimming, construction and attachment techniques, as well as the potential for sculptural forms and attachments.

Euan Craig

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