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Welcome to the world of teapots !

types of teapots

Stoneware Teapots

Most black teas are best brewed in stoneware teapots rather than teapots made of metals or porcelain

Yixing Teapots

Yixing teapots first appeared during the Sung dynasty in China in the village of Yixing, about 120 miles northwest of Shanghai and are made of a special local clay . Unglazed teapots (like Yixing) should never be washed in a dishwasher or soapy water due to the porous nature of its clay, since there is no glaze used. They should be rinsed with warm water only and left upside down to dry. The porous nature of the local clay absorbs the flavor, smell, and color of the tea that is brewed in it. Over time, Yixing teapots develop a seasoning from repeated use, some claim a decent pot of tea can be brewed from pouring hot water only in a well used Yixing teapot . For this reason, most people will dedicate a single flavor of tea to a specific Yixing teapot, so that the seasoning is not disrupted by cross-brewing. The tea is drunk from very small cups . It is called old man tea in Taiwan .

Porcelain Teapots

18 Cent China export porcelain

From the end of the 17th century tea was shipped from China to Europe as part of the export of exotic spices and luxury goods. The ships that brought the tea also carried porcelain teapots. The majority of these teapots were painted in blue and white underglaze. Tea drinking in Europe was initially the preserve of the upper classes since it was very expensive. Porcelain teapots were particularly desirable because porcelain could not be made in Europe at that time. It wasn't until 1765 that William Cookworthy devised a way of making porcelain and founded a works at Plymouth UK for the production of a porcelain similar to the Chinese

Japanese cast Iron Teapots

Japanese cast iron teapots or tetsubin were used in Japan since the 17th century by the common people as a cheap way to make tea , and ofter an iron teapot would be put over a fire to provide clean, hot water for tea. even today it is not uncommon to see them on heaters in Japan .

Modern design Teapots

         glass teapot                                      a Sorapot  teapot       Russian 1920s teapot

Russian Samovar

The Samovar is a heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water in and around Russia, as well as in other Slavic nations, Iran, Kashmir, and Turkey. Since the heated water is usually used for making tea, many samovars have an attachment on top of its lid to hold and heat a teapot filled with tea concentrate. Samovars are said to have been invented in Central Asia, though its origin is a matter of dispute. Though traditionally heated with coal or charcoal, many newer samovars use electricity and heat water in a similar manner as an electric water boiler

History of Teapots

The teapot probably derived originally from the ceramic kettles and wine pots which were made in bronze and other metals and were a feature of Chinese cultural life for thousands of years. The earliest example of a teapot that has survived to this day seems to be the one in the Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware. This teapot is made from Yixing clay, attributed to Gongchun and dated 1513. Gongchun is considered the father of the Yixing clay teapot

From the end of the 17th century tea was shipped from China to Europe as part of the export of exotic spices and luxury goods. The ships that brought the tea also carried porcelain teapots. The majority of these teapots were painted in blue and white underglaze. Porcelain being completely vitrified will withstand sea water without damage, so the teapots were packed below deck whilst the tea stayed on top in the dry.

Tea drinking in Europe was initially the preserve of the upper classes since it was very expensive. Porcelain teapots were particularly desirable because porcelain could not be made in Europe at that time. It wasn't until 1765 that William Cookworthy devised a way of making porcelain and founded a works at Plymouth UK for the production of a porcelain similar to the Chinese. When European potteries began to make their own tea wares they were naturally inspired by the Chinese designs.

Unglazed teapots (like Yixing) should never be washed in a dishwasher or soapy water due to the porous nature of its clay, since there is no glaze used. They should be rinsed with warm water only and left upside down to dry. If unglazed teapot is used with different teas, it is advisable not to mix them and have dedicated teapots for every tea variety to preserve the taste. Natural tannin sediment in an unglazed teapot should be left untouched as over time it will enhance the flavouring without flaking off as in a glazed teapot. To remove build-up of tannin in a glazed teapot one can use boiling water and a couple teaspoons of baking soda and leave it overnight, then wipe and rinse to desired state.

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