Nankei Apricot Kyusu Teapot — Black Clay 320ml

A Kyusu Shaped Like an Apricot

This kyusu was designed by Nankei Pottery with the image of an apricot fruit in mind — gently rounded, calm in presence, and naturally balanced in the hand. Its form is intentional, created to pour smoothly and sit steadily during tea preparation.

Black Clay That Changes the Taste of Tea

Made from iron-rich clay traditionally used for kyusu, this teapot is fired without glaze, allowing the natural iron in the clay to turn the surface deep black.

Because the interior is also left unglazed, the fine texture of the clay softens bitterness and rounds the flavor of tea. Over time, the surface develops deeper character as it is used.

This is not simply a vessel for tea. It subtly improves the tea you brew.

Lid and Body Are Hand-Matched After Firing

After firing, the lid and body are carefully hand-ground together in a traditional process to ensure an exceptionally precise fit and smooth pouring without drips around the lid.

You may notice a slight reveal of the red clay where this matching was done — a quiet sign of authentic kyusu craftsmanship.

Designed for Everyday and Guests

This kyusu comfortably pours:

• Four small teacups when guests visit
• Two generous cups for daily meals
• Full capacity: 320 ml

The Soko-ami Bottom Mesh That Makes the Difference

This kyusu uses a soko-ami (底網式) stainless steel bottom mesh — a design trusted by tea professionals and Japanese tea cafés for over 40 years.

Unlike small strainers near the spout, the entire bottom of the teapot is covered with a fine stainless mesh. This creates a wide filtering surface that allows tea leaves to fully open and spread.

This design offers several important advantages:

• Tea leaves expand freely for fuller extraction
• Fine leaves such as deep-steamed fukamushi sencha do not clog the strainer
• Water flows out smoothly with excellent drainage
• Leaves do not sit in leftover water, allowing the second and third infusions to taste just as good
• Tea residue is less likely to remain, making cleaning much easier

This bottom-mesh structure is one of the defining features that makes this kyusu exceptional.

Features

• Iron-rich unglazed clay softens tea bitterness and improves flavor
• Matte black surface develops character with use
• Apricot-inspired shape for balanced, steady pouring
• Lid and body hand-matched for precise fit
• Stainless steel bottom mesh strainer
• Made by Nankei Pottery in Japan