Japanese Kyusu Teapot with Inscription and Infuser
Ceramic decorative art, specifically a side-handled teapot (kyusu) with porcelain and metal/wood components • Japanese studio potter or commercial ceramic workshop (mark on lid reads '古都', possibly referring to Kyoto or a specific kiln name 'Koto')
Style & Movement
Traditional Japanese craft (Mingei-inspired) modern utility ware
Medium & Technique
Glazed porcelain ceramic body with cobalt blue underglaze hand-painted inscription on the lid interior, featuring an integrated stainless steel strainer and a wooden handle attachment
Creation Period
Late 20th century to contemporary period, c. 1970s–2000s
Dimensions & Format
Domestic table scale, approximately 15 cm to 20 cm in total width including handle and spout, standard globular cylindrical form
Subject Description
A traditional Japanese side-handled teapot (kyusu) with faint green painted motif on the body, a detachable stainless steel mesh infuser basket, a wooden-handled metal extraction tab, and an inverted lid revealing a blue calligraphic maker or place stamp on the underside
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition with minor surface wear, slight metal oxidation on the infuser tab, and minor dust accumulation, but structurally sound with no major cracks or chips visible
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50
Provenance History
Acquired likely through direct import from Japan, specialty tea retailer, or souvenir trade, showing modern domestic usage
Art Historical Significance
Representative example of modern Japanese tea culture and utilitarian ceramic manufacturing, reflecting the ongoing tradition of the kyusu design popularized across East Asia and global tea markets
Notable Features
The blue underglaze calligraphic inscription on the underside of the lid (reading '古都', 'Koto') and the integrated metal infuser basket with a distinctive wooden handle tab
Condition Issues
Minor tarnishing and wear on the metal components of the infuser insert; light surface grime on the exterior ceramic body
Conservation Recommendations
Standard gentle hand washing with mild dish soap and a soft sponge; avoid abrasive scouring pads to preserve the glaze and underglaze marks; store in a dry environment