This is a Japanese tea pot called a Kyusu. Kyusu are used to brew sencha, a light grassy very high grade green tea. The shape of the Kyusu allows the water to cool slowly to keep the tea at the right (lower) temperature longer. This Kyusu was picked up in Japan recently. The black variety is prized among tea masters for the high iron clay used in its construction. The ability for this teapot to regulate proper brewing temperature is proven by the years of white mineral build up in the pot and on the spout. These mineral deposits are clear indicators that the owner of this tea pot used it very often with the hard well water of Japan. It measures about 3 1/2" (16.5 cm) in diameter by 3" tall (7.5 cm) and 5.5" wide with the handle (15 cm). Having been in storage, it remains in in fine condition.