Tokoname-Yaki Shudei Red Clay Kyusu (Fusen Kiln, Japan)

Yokode no kyusu means "side-handled teapot" in Japanese.  Often times, however, this popular style of tea pot is simply referred to as a kyusu, which means "tea pot."

Tokoname-yaki pottery comes from Tokoname in the Aichi Prefecture in Japan, which is the site of one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.  Pottery has been made in Tokoname since the 12th century, near the end of the Heian period.  The Heian period is noted for its art, poetry and literature.  Tokoname is known for its iron-rich shudei (red/orange) clay, which mellows astringency in tea liquor. 

This tea pot is wide and tall, making the perfect entry-level brewing vessel for nearly all types of tea.  Shou and shung pu'ers, red tea, and white tea are all well suited for this kyusu.  The wide bottom is good for green teas which allows them to unfurl horizontally to cool quickly.  The taller profile makes is a good choice for oolong teas, which like vertical space to unfurl while they steep.  It has a sawayaka fine mesh filter catches small bits while pouring, which makes this suitable for botanical tisanes.  

The width of this pot is 165 mm (6.5 in), including the handle.  The height is 83 mm (3.3 in) The tea pot has a diameter of 95 mm (3.74 in) and has a capacity of 350 ml.