YIXING TEAPOTS

(pronounced EE SHING)

Yixing, near Shanghai, has for centuries been known as "The Pottery Capital Of China." The world's first teapots were created here during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD.) And to this day, the distinctive earthenware teapots are considered the best vessel for brewing tea, by tea aficionados. It is said that the flavor of the tea is enhanced when brewed in an Yixing teapot.

Prices, style and availability are subject to change without notice
Please contact us for specific details

Collector's Series - Prices Vary

TPT-224

TPT-261-C

TPT-265

TPT-271

TPT-281

TPT-281-B	TPT-347	TPT-348	TPT-368	TPT-430
	TPT-339-A	TPT-435	TPT-015-A

The most traditional color of the zisha or "purple clay," is actually a reddish brown. There are several other naturally occurring colors including red, dark brown, yellow, blue, green, and a rare white. Research has shown that the local sedimentary clay used to make authentic Yixing ware is lead free. This may not be the case for replicas made elsewhere.

ETC-901
Rosewood Curio Shelf
$195.00

Series 1 - $99.95


TPT-265-A	TPT-269	TPT-285	TPT-286-A	TPT-286-B
		TPT-351	TPT-416

With designs taken from nature, geometric shapes or artistic whimsy, these small teapots made the voyage to Europe with the first tea shipments in the early 17th century. They served as the models for the early Dutch, German and English teapots. In addition to the traditional styles, new, modern designs are constantly being created. Some more elaborate designs can take months to complete. Though each is a collector's item, Yixing teapots are made to be used.

Series 2 - $79.95

TPT-204-A	TPT-204-B	TPT-215-A	TPT-217-C	TPT-224-A	TPT-230-B
TPT-231	TPT-231-A	TPT-231-A-1	TPT-234	TPT-235	TPT-235-B
TPT-237-A	TPT-237-C	TPT-238	TPT-256	TPT-259	TPT-269-B
TPT-270	TPT-271-A	TPT-272	TPT-272-A	TPT-297-B	TPT-306
TPT-313-B	TPT-344	TPT-345	TPT-351-A		TPT-362
	TPT-392	TPT-411-A	TPT-415	TPT-418

Yixing teapots are not glazed after firing. As a result, the teapot is slightly porous. This allows some of the tea to permeate the clay. With continued use, a patina is built up on the inside, seasoning the pot. Also, the oils from the tea bring out a deeper luster to the teapot's colors. It is not uncommon for a well used and cared for Yixing teapot to increase in value with age. Legend has it that if an Yixing teapot has been used for a long time, one no longer needs to put any tea leaves in the pot to brew a cup.

Series 3 - $59.95

TPT-001	TPT-001-B	TPT-001-C	TPT-003	TPT-013-B	TPT-016-A
TPT-207	TPT-208-A	TPT-217-D	TPT-217-E	TPT-225	TPT-225-A
TPT-226-A	TPT-230	TPT-230-A	TPT-231-B	TPT-232-A	TPT-235-A
TPT-237-B	TPT-238-B	TPT-238-D	TPT-250	TPT-252	TPT-255
TPT-255-A	TPT-262-A	TPT-263-B	TPT-269-A	TPT-273	TPT-281-C
TPT-285-A	TPT-297-A	TPT-304-B	TPT-313-A	TPT-324-A	TPT-326-D
TPT-335-A	TPT-336	TPT-336-A	TPT-336-B	TPT-351	TPT-355
TPT-360	TPT-360-A	TPT-366	TPT-375	TPT-398	TPT-399
TPT-406	TPT-408	TPT-409	TPT-410	TPT-411	TPT-432
		TPT-413	TPT-353

The small size ensures that the tea leaves will not steep too long, and that each cup will be fresh and hot. Most of the designs incorporate filter holes leading to the spout which ensures that the leaves do not pour out with the tea. If the lid is well matched to the opening, when the steam whole on the lid is blocked with a finger, the flow of tea will stop.

Series 4 - $29.95

TPT-001-D

TPT-206-A

TPT-206-D

TPT-217

TPT-217-B

TPT-234-A

TPT-247	TPT-250-C	TPT-261-A	TPT-268-A	TPT-279
	TPT-314-A	TPT-314-B		TPT-319	TPT-325
TPT-326-B	TPT-329	TPT-333	TPT-340	TPT-370	TPT-379

TPT-381	TPT-382	TPT-383	TPT-384	TPT-385
TPT-388	TPT-389	TPT-391	TPT-393	TPT-394	TPT-395
TPT-395-A	TPT-396	TPT-397	TPT-405	TPT-405-A	TPT-407
TPT-412		TPT-417	TPT-422	TPT-423	TPT-424
TPT-425	TPT-426	TPT-427	TPT-427-A	TPT-428-A	TPT-429
		TPT-431

Each teapot is a handmade work of art and it may take years for potters to develop their skills. Therefore, the same design can be found in several quality levels. For some designs, molds are used for parts of the teapot. This is true especially of mass produced teapots. Higher quality teapots are shaped completely by hand and often, artists develop their own styles and favorite designs. Notice the "chop marks" on the bottom of the pot, under the lid and maybe even at the base of the handle. This is the insignia of the person who skillfully hand crafted each pot.

Small Series - $19.95