Japanese Tea Set "Monk's Bowl" - Black Kyusu Teapot (240cc) with 4 Teacups

Elevate your daily ritual with the "Monk's Bowl" Japanese tea set, a timeless collection by Nankei Pottery (est. 1913). Inspired by the iron alms bowl of a monk, this 240cc kyusu has been a celebrated classic for over 50 years. Crafted from iron-rich Banko clay, its unglazed interior naturally mellows bitterness for a smooth, balanced brew. With a 240cc capacity, one brew perfectly fills two of the included chawan (at the recommended 100cc level), making it ideal for sharing a peaceful moment or hosting guests. The set includes four stackable Japanese tea cups with a stone-like texture that prevents odor transfer. Blending 300 years of heritage with minimalist elegance, this Japanese teapot set brings mindful craftsmanship and a sense of Zen to your modern home.

Product details

• Quantity: 1 Teapot (kyusu) & 4 Teacups (chawan)
• Dimension (Teapot): W17.6 cm (6.9 in) × D14.4 cm (5.7 in) × H8.2 cm (3.2 in)
• Dimension (Teacups): W8.0 cm (3.1 in) × H6.2 cm (2.4 in)
• Capacity (Teapot): 240cc (Full)
• Capacity (Teacup): 100cc (Recommended) / 170cc (Full)
• Estimated Yield: Approx. 2 cups per brew
• Material: Unglazed Stoneware (Banko-yaki)
• Origin: Made in Mie, Japan
• Brand: Nankei Pottery

Banko-yaki: 300 Years of Tradition in Japanese Pottery and Tea Culture

Banko-yaki is a type of pottery that originated during the Edo period and boasts a history of over 300 years. Its name reflects a wish for “eternal prosperity and excellence.” Although it experienced a period of decline, the craft was revitalized by kilns in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, where it flourished alongside the rise of sencha tea culture. Banko-yaki teapots are renowned for their distinctive combination of durability and lightness, and, together with Tokoname-yaki, they continue to play a vital role in supporting Japan's tea culture.

Crafting Elegance in Banko-yaki Since 1913

Founded in 1913, Nankei Pottery is a kiln based in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, specializing in Banko-yaki teapots and teacups. Their products blend traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, offering both the functionality needed for brewing delicious tea and a simple elegance that complements everyday life. Every step of the production process is managed in-house, ensuring meticulous quality control, and each piece is carefully finished by the hands of skilled artisans. Through their thoughtfully crafted tea utensils, Nankei Pottery enriches quiet moments of tea time, delivering the joy of use and the pleasure of brewing.

Authentic Japanese Tea Set: The Timeless Monk’s Bowl Design

The "Monk’s Bowl" kyusu is a 50-year classic by Nankei Pottery. This 240cc Japanese teapot (w176/d144/h82mm) is made from iron-rich Banko clay with an unglazed interior that naturally mellows tea's bitterness. Each lid is hand-fitted by artisans to ensure a perfect seal. Paired with four stackable "Ensui" Japanese tea cups (w80/h62mm), the set features a matte, stone-like texture that prevents odor transfer. Ideal for serving 2-4 guests, this Japanese tea set brings mindful craftsmanship and minimalist elegance to your daily ritual.