Description High quality shudei clay ceramic Japanese tea pot (kyusu). This particular style of tea pot is normally rather small and frequently used in Japan to serve higher-quality green teas where the quantity to dispense is less and the beauty and form of the tea pot are an appreciated element of the tea service. The word shudei (literally “red mud”) is used to describe a special clay which takes on a brick red appearance when fired and is frequently used to create the best quality kyusu tea pots. Originating during the late 19th century, shudei pottery is produced through a fairly complicated procedure and fired at high temperature (over 1100 degrees Celsius) for extended periods; where a temperature change of only 10 degrees during the firing process can ruin the appearance of the pot. Shudei clay contains iron which is thought to enhance the flavor of green tea. About the Listed Item Vintage (yet seemingly unused), high quality Japanese-made shudei kyusu tea pot made by the potter Tokotatsu. Thissmall (please see size information below) tea pot features classic Japanese styling with delicate handle and spout and built-in ceramic strainer. The pot includes the potter’s name “Tokotatsu” stamped on the body (noted in detail photo below). All pieces are in excellent condition though one of the cups has a dark stain on the inside surface. The set comes in its own fitted wooden storage box. Japanese writing on the box reads shudei chaki meaning “Shudei tea set”. The …
