This exquisitely crafted Tokoname-yaki kyusu (teapot) has a unique shape and is made from the iconic Tokoname shudei (朱泥) clay, known for its brilliant red colour and ability to subtly reduce the astringency of tea. This pot has a striking yōhen (窯変) gradient from a rich red to a deep black, created by a second reduction firing in which the pot is half covered in rice husks. The surface is unpolished and unsmoothed, in a style called sujihiki (筋引) which is a subtler variation of rokurome (ろくろ目 - potters' wheel marks) which shows the flow of the potter's fingers as they shaped the piece on the wheel. To further show off the handmade nature of the teapot, the joins between the handle, spout, and body are left unsmoothed, showing where the potter's fingers blended the pieces together. The teapot's built-in ceramic debeso filter is perfect for naturally straining tea. The kyusu comes in its original kiribako (桐箱 - paulownia wood box) signed and sealed by the artist.