{"product_id":"japanese-bank-yaki-kyusu-yokkaichi-teapot-collection","title":"Handmade Japanese Banko-Yaki Yokkaichi Kyusu Teapot Collection","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJapanese Banko-Yaki Kyusu (Yokkaichi) Teapot Collection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many tea lovers are familiar with Chinese Yixing teapots, Japan has its own long tradition of unglazed purple clay teapots known as \u003cstrong\u003eShidei (紫泥)\u003c\/strong\u003e. The most famous are produced as \u003cstrong\u003eBanko-yaki\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cstrong\u003eYokkaichi, Mie Prefecture\u003c\/strong\u003e, where they've been crafted for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, the clay doesn't start out purple at all. In its natural state, it's a yellow clay. During firing, however, a special reduction-firing process transforms the iron-rich clay into its signature muted purple-brown color. This is one of the key differences between Japanese Shidei and Chinese Yixing clay. Yixing clay is naturally purple and develops differently during firing, while Banko-yaki's distinctive color comes from the firing process itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore importantly, the clay itself is especially \u003cstrong\u003ewell suited for brewing\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese green teas\u003c\/strong\u003e like sencha. It is prized for \u003cstrong\u003esoftening astringency\u003c\/strong\u003e while \u003cstrong\u003eallowing the tea's sweetness and aroma to shine through\u003c\/strong\u003e. This makes it a very different brewing experience from Yixing teapots, which are generally better suited for darker teas such as oolong, puerh, and heicha rather than delicate Japanese greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike most traditional kyusu, some of these teapots are designed with \u003cstrong\u003eright-handed pouring\u003c\/strong\u003e in mind. However, this collection also includes several \u003cstrong\u003eleft-handed Banko-yaki kyusu\u003c\/strong\u003e, making them a wonderful option for left-handed tea drinkers as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're brewing a daily sencha or exploring Japan's many green teas, a Banko-yaki kyusu is one of the most traditional and enjoyable ways to experience them. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOver time, the unglazed clay gradually \u003cstrong\u003edevelops a beautiful patina\u003c\/strong\u003e, becoming a teapot that reflects years of shared tea sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tea and Whisk","offers":[{"title":"140ml Left-Handed Purple Clay Kyusu","offer_id":49314930327795,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml Left-Handed Purple Clay Kyusu","offer_id":49314930360563,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml Beige \u0026 Purple Clay Kyusu (Right-Handed)","offer_id":49314930393331,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/9486\/0322\/files\/handmade-japanese-banko-yaki-yokkaichi-kyusu-teapot-collection-6925030.jpg?v=1784367793","url":"https:\/\/teaandwhisk.com\/products\/japanese-bank-yaki-kyusu-yokkaichi-teapot-collection","provider":"Tea and Whisk","version":"1.0","type":"link"}