Handcrafted in Tokoname, Aichi prefecture Japan, this Mogake style Yuzamashi watercooler was made with gyokuro and light steamed asamushi sencha brewing in mind. The watercooler was wrapped with seaweed, causing the salt from the seaweed to oxidize with the clay making a unique pattern on the teapot. Since gyokuro should be brewed at a lower temperature and with double the amount of loose leaf (usually the most expensive green teas available), the use of this special yuzamashi watercooler is ideal for gyokuro enthusiasts, allowing multiple infusions from the same gyokuro leaf.

How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions!

The set is intentionally made very small, holding just 135 ml of water. The lid fits the inside of the teapot wall perfectly. There is a very well made and thought out spout and the pour is smooth.  This teapot is suitable for any gyokuro or light steamed green tea.  You could probably use it with most medium-steamed green teas though you might get some clogging on the ceramic inner spout.  Not suitable for deep steamed green tea as the fine, dust-like leaf particles.

About the maker Hakusan Katayama III

Mr. Hakusan was born into a family with a long standing pottery tradition in Tokoname, Aichi prefecture, a region famous for its outstanding pottery, and he studied under his father Tadayoshi's tutelage. He is a member of the Japan Sencha Crafts Association, and the Tokoname Hand-made Teapot Association. Mr Hakusan has won numerous national prizes for his pottery.

Measures approximately 4.5 cm high, 7.5 cm x 10 cm wide, and holds about 140 ml