Project 2: Kyusu teapot

Kyusu means teapot in Japenese but it usually refers to a teapot with a side handle and is used for green tea.

This is my first project involving many parts that needed to be assembled. With a teapot there is many things to consider in addition to the style. My instructor helped with this project a bit although the design and most of the work were all mine.

Here is the body and a couple lids.

My instructor helped me to get the body a little more round after I threw it. When the clay is drying it gradually shrinks. This particular clay decreases about 10% in size. So it is smart to throw the lid at the same time as the body so you know it will fit as they are thrown at the same water consistency. If you throw a couple then you have a back up if something goes wrong with one. There are other alternatives but this is the way I learned.

I forgot to photograph the spouts and handles when I threw them and again I threw a couple of each to find the right fit and make sure I had one ready if I did anything to damage one while attaching it. My instructor attached this spout to show me how to do it. The handle I did myself. I have to say I find the side handle so visually appealing!

Here is the assembled kyusu teapot!

The front view.

Next I smoothed all the rough edges and dried it slowly under plastic at first and then by air. Once this stage was completed it was bisque fired, which I did not photograph. then glazing and the finally firing!!!

Glazed and ready.

I made this teapot after the espresso cups but glazed them all together along with a small bowl, which is more efficient then glazing one piece at a time.  It also means I got it all back at once which was very exciting!! Usually you have many project going at once in pottery as they all are at different stages which is really fun!

Final result!!!

Another view.

The side handle also feels so great to pour. I am not really sure how to put it in words. The best I can say is it just flows so nice as if it is an extension of your hand.

Again I was thrilled with the result!

Things I learned from this teapot:

1. The shape of the spout is not great for pouring. Unfortunately I started my next one before I realized that. It is functional and it felt incredible to use it but it does drip. You learn as you go, which is part of the fun! :)

2. I left the bottom a bit thin so when it came to turning the foot it was a bit thin so it is not as appealing as  I would like.

With the lessons learned and the result as it was I was just so happy and more than ready to move onto to more teapots. I think I may be in this phase for awhile while I perfect my form and enjoy all the decorating options!!! Yay!!