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Hakucho Banko Yaki Houhin Teapot

Hakucho Banko Yaki Houhin Teapot
$19.00USD
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Hakucho Banko Yaki Houhin Teapot

A little houhin Banko-Yaki teapot. It is unglazed, fired at 1200°C, and has an iron rich clay. Each side of the teapot has an image of a swan, and the top of the lid's handle has an image of a flower. Its full capacity is 190ml (6.4oz) measured to the rim. However, when correctly used this style of houhin should NEVER be filled more than 2/3's full making its maximum usable capacity approximately 120ml (4oz). In addition, we recommend brewing only Japanese green teas such as gyokuro, high quality kabusecha, or high quality sencha that brew at lower temperatures in this houhin. Those type of teas will brew up perfectly in this little houhin! Comes with a hiraami stainless steel strainer that covers the spout exit.

Houhin

If you know anything about Japanese teapots you will know that houhin is a style of teapot that is predominantly designed for brewing gyokuro, but can be used for brewing high quality sencha or kabusecha, too. Houhin teapots, which are usually handleless and have a wide range of capacity, are commonly used by professional tea makers here in Japan as they know that they are the best teapots for bringing out the full flavor of high quality Japanese green teas.

Banko Yaki

Banko-Yaki, which is a style of pottery produced in Japan's Mie prefecture, was invented some 260 years ago by a wealthy merchant from Kuwana city named Rozan Nunami. He possessed great knowledge of tea and pottery. He made a wonderful array of teapots that he would always stamp as bankofueki meaning 'Lasting forever without any change', hoping they would be handed down through endless generations after he was gone. His wish came true as there is now around 22 government recognized master craftsmen producing banko ware. Each of whom pass on their skills to young up and coming banko potters which allows the banko spirit to live on!
Reviews by registered customers:
Displaying 1 to 4 (of 4 reviews)
 
by Joshua S.
Date Added: 06/20/2010
Beautiful teapot. Feels sturdy to the touch. Looks exactly like in the photos.

by Tim C.
Date Added: 03/09/2009
I have to agree with everything mentioned below, this teapot is a really wonderful purchase due to its great value for money and the end product it creates when used properly. What's more the ease of use makes it perfect for anyone. Excellent product!

by Richard K.
Date Added: 03/04/2009
I used this wonderful little teapot and LOVE IT! as much as the other one. I must reiterate, using a clay teapot to brew tea is the best way to achieve the best flavor and "umami" (depth and fullness of flavor - the 5th sense of taste). Again, I brewed Gyokuro and once again, the flavor was deeper, more robust - not in a powerful way, more of a complex character. This teapot is a little difficult to handle when hot, but this issue is easily rectified with use and adapting oneself to handling it carefully and with respecting it's nature. Once again, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing this teapot for whomever is a connoisseur/aficionado of Japanese green tea. You won't go back to brewing tea any other way! A must buy and well worth the money. Furthermore, it is just plain fun to brew and appreciate tea using the correct accoutrements; the usage of the correct teapot adds to the enjoyment.

by Michelle R.
Date Added: 08/28/2008
After trying this teapot, it made no doubt in my mind - the right teapot for your tea IS important! Their gyokuro tastes much better when brewed correctly in this teapot!