This brewing vessel makes an incredible difference in extracting the flavor of Sencha and Gyokuro tea. I have experimented with the various teapots and gaiwans and finally broke down and purchased this teapot. The vessel brings the flavor and body of the teas out fully. It controls and cools the temperature of the water perfectly because the clay used to make this teapot dissipates the heat without inducing extraneous heat into the tea leaves; hence even with a prolonged third steep the tannins are extracted mildly. The pour of the tea steep is very controlled and complete without allowing any tea leaves through and drains to the very last drop. The clay is an excellent insulator even as hot water is in the vessel - does not burn the fingers. The pot was created masterfully with great consideration to its form and function. Aesthetically, its beauty is found in its simplicity of design and function, and the crackle glaze. This was worth the investment.