Choosing Your First Kyusu Teapot

1. Capacity

For one or two people, 200–300 ml is ideal; for a family, choose 350 ml or more.

2. Handle style

The side handle common on Japanese teapots makes one-handed pouring easy and helps you pour every last drop.

3. Strainer type

• Ceramic mesh or sasame: ideal for the fine leaves of deep-steamed tea.
• Band mesh: resists clogging and is easy to clean.

If in doubt, choose a fine strainer that works for both deep-steamed and regular sencha.