Fûgetsu Kyûsu 240 ml

The potter behind this simple red kyûsu is Murakoshi Fûgetsu (村越風月), who was born in Tokoname in 1950. Fûgetsu studied under Yamada Jôzan (山田常山), who was awarded the title of "Living National Treasure" (人間国宝), an honor bestowed upon only a few artists. The charm of this pot lies primarily in the linear throwing marks created on the potter's wheel. This gives it a "soft" appearance and feel. This kyûsu can be used to brew all types of green tea, but it is less suitable for Fukamushi Sencha, as the ball strainer can become clogged by the high proportion of broken leaves in this variety. During oxidation firing, the clay changes color and takes on a beautiful reddish hue. 

Tokoname is the oldest of the "Six Ancient Kilns." Ceramics have been fired in today's Aichi Prefecture since the year 1100. In the early days, potters focused on producing unglazed utilitarian ceramics. Around 1200, with approximately 3,000 kilns, it was Japan's largest ceramics center.

In 1840, the first potters in Tokoname attempted to imitate Yixing ceramics using iron-rich clay. Red shudei ceramics require the finest fraction of a highly iron-rich clay found beneath rice paddies.

When it was discovered that tea tasted better when brewed in Tokoname utensils, demand grew. From 1860 onward, Tokoname potters attempted to replicate the polished surface of Yixing ceramics. In 1877, they succeeded with the help of the Chinese scholar Jin Shi Heng and other specialists. The surface of the pot must be carefully polished with a metal spatula to compact the clay. Today, Tokoname is known for the colorful variety of side-handle pots (kyûsu).  In addition to modern shapes, designs, and colors, traditional red pots are also produced, which, like their Chinese predecessors, can be decorated with poems.

This kyûsu is something completely special in many respects.