"Apricot" Round Kyusu/Tea Pot (Matte Black)

The Apricot Round Kyusu takes its form from the full, calm shape of an apricot seed — a little wider than tall, with a composed presence that suits both a quiet morning and a table of guests. Made by NANKEI POTTERY (南景製陶園) in the Banko-yaki tradition of Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, this 320ml stoneware kyusu is fired without glaze using the yakishime method. The iron-rich Matte Black clay is left unglazed on the inside — the fine texture of the surface works directly against the tea, drawing out the astringency and leaving the flavour rounder, softer. Beneath the kyusu, an 18-8 stainless steel full-bottom mesh covers the entire floor: fine enough for gyokuro, with a gap between mesh and body so the leaves never soak in residual water — second and third infusions stay clean.

The more you use it, the darker and richer the clay becomes. This is a kyusu that rewards patience more than attention.