Ceramic Japanese Tea Set - Shudei Kyusu Pot & Five Cups

Added: Jul 15, 2008

From: theoldtokaido

Duration: 4:33

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 1,100 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. This small (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 wooden storage box is in fair condition though it does have marks and scratches from handling as well as stains. The box lid is slightly warped and does not fit snugly. Please click here to see additional shudei kyusu tea pots or here to see all listed Japanese tea pots available for purchase within our eBay store The Old Tokaido. Size of tea pot: Height (base to top of lid handle): 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters) Diameter (excluding handle and spout): 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters) Weight: 6.7 ounces (192 grams) Size of cups: Height (base to top of lid handle): 1.8 inches (4.5 centimeters) Diameter: 2.7 inches (7.0 centimeters) Weight of each cup (approximate): 1.7 ounces (48 grams) Weight of entire set including box: 37.8 ounces (1080 grams) Green Tea History The true origins of tea are lost in pre-history. However, some interesting legends do exist to explain how humanity came to acquire this culinary treasure. One Chinese story tells how a famous herbalist was preparing medicine next to a large tea plant when some leaves did fall into a pot of boiling water. Upon sampling the brew and realizing the stimulating benefits, the herbalist then added tea to his list of medicines. Another story gives credit to the Indian sage Bodhidarma (aka Daruma) who is the recognized founder of Zen Buddhism. Daruma-san is thought to have achieved enlightenment only after meditating for seven years straight without blinking or moving his eyes. At one point during his long vigil Daruma apparently became so overcome by fatigue that he tore off his eyelids and threw them to the ground. The eyelids are then thought to have sprouted into China's first green tea plants. Buddhist priests are normally credited with introducing tea to Japan during the 6th century where it was first popular with priests trying to stay alert during long sessions of meditation. Tea was later adopted by the ruling and military classes where elaborate ceremonies for the preparation and serving of tea were developed and refined over many centuries. The Japanese tea ceremony (sadou) is today appreciated as one of the most beautiful and intriguing of the traditional Japanese arts. Tea is certainly one of the defining elements of contemporary Japanese lifestyle; important in family and social settings and providing catalyst for a wide range of art forms, from ceramic and iron ware, to bamboo craft as well as the very act of drinking. And while practitioners of the tea ceremony may spend a lifetime mastering the art of tea, Japanese from every walk of life do appreciate on a daily basis the delicious flavor and invigorating effect of this most important drink. item code: R5S8-0005611 ship code: G6

Channel: People

Tags: ceramic  cups  japanese  kyusu  pot  set  shudei  softypapa  tea  tokaido 

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