Posted 3 years ago
kwqd
(1122 items)
This small Iwachu kyusu is 4.1" (10.3 cm) in diameter x 3.1" (8 cm) high minus the lid. It has a very clear Iwachu mark which reads "Iwachu Nambu" and an original foil label. The theme of the teapot is sakura (cherry blossoms). It holds about 8 ounces (240 ml).
I violated my policy of not paying over $40, including shipping, for an Iwachu teapot but there are a few special things about this one. It is new old stock, never used, with the original label still on it. Unfortunately, it did not include the original box.
It has the clearest maker's mark that I have ever seen on an Iwachu kyusu, which suggests that the mold work is very fine.
Though it may be very common in Japan, I have never seen an Iwachu pot of this vintage which did not use the typical black finish which is made by heating the kyusu to 250 degrees Celsius and first applying a layer of lacquer, then brushing on a solution of vinegar, rust and green tea followed by polishing with a damp cloth containing the same solution. That process is what gives the matte black finish to older teapots which can be touched up by wiping a hot pot down with a cloth soaked in concentrated green tea. I like that finish a lot because I can maintain it. That is not possible with enameled pots like this one, but I couldn't resist adding it to my pile. The color is burgundy.
I did pay under $40 for the kyusu but shipping costs from Japan put it well over that amount. Dang. I am trying to focus on kyusu about this size and a bit larger, as they will be easy to display, not taking up much space, but still having enough detail to make them enjoyable to look at and handle. I will put this one in my rotation to use, but would probably have put it away if it had included the original box.
I am going to add some shelving in my kitchen to display my teapot collection. I figure that I will have room for about 15 kyusu and now have 10, so going to slow down a bit and make the last five special. Well, they are all special, so I guess "extra" special. Over the past few weeks, I have added to my collection four Chen & Co. small kyusu which are very well done and made by Oigen.
Really awesome teapot Kevin, I love the cherry blossom pattern & lovely burgundy color. Great addition to your fabulous teapot collection & will enjoy seeing your display shelf
Thanks for your comment, Jenni! It is purty! The shelf I am looking at on Amazon is bamboo and meant to go over a commode, but has three shelves, each capable of carrying 33 lbs of weight, so I think I can get at least 5 teapots on each shelf, maybe more. I like that kind of shelving because is it not too wide or too deep and will easily fit into the only space available for it in my kitchen. I think I can add another shelf to hold several large plastic jars I use to store biscuit mixes, muffin mixes, potato mixes, etc. I have labels on the tops of the lids, so it is easy to find the right one when needed. I may even be able to store some miscellaneous tea ware on it. Excited because it has been awhile since I have added more (organized) kitchen storage space.
Another great tea kettle!
Thanks for your comment jscott0363! It is a good one!
Thanks for loving my latest kyusu Watchsearcher, fortapache, aura, Thomas, jscott0363 and dav2no1!
Thanks dlpetersen and Kevin!
This is a beauty. Shape is great but it's the surface finish that grabs me. With it's sticker too!
A great one Kevin, well worth the money.
Your shelf will be amazing!
Thanks for your comment, Karen! Yeah, I would have regretted missing out on this one. I bought cheaper metal shelf, just to make sure that my concept will work, before splurging on a bamboo shelf. The bamboo will be more appropriate for the style and history of the teapots, but is three and a half times the price of a metal shelf.
Thanks for your comments Eileen. Yeah I have pieces in storage that I would like to see every day..... I got a couple of new teapots which are really cool but got an eye infection in both eyes from using some contaminated eye drops so very hard to focus on objects and can't take pictures right now so will post them, by and by. Looking at my computer or tablets is really uncomfortable so not looking at anything much on line but am responding to comments on my posts.
Thanks AmphoraPottery and vcal!