Yixing earthenware teapots have been around since the Ming dynasty (1368- 1644), and are still made today, in demand not only for their beauty but also because of their practicality and superb function when brewing tea. |
Yixing teapots may look fra- gile, but the zisha clay from which they’re made tolerates near boiling water without cracking, retains the original color without fading, and doesn’t give off or retain any odors.With careful use and handling these teapots will last a lifetime and beyond. In fact, it’s not unusual to see antique Yixing teapots for sale that are sixty, eighty, or even one-hun- dred years old that look almost new, with no apparent wear or age markings. The first consideration when buying a Yixing |
made from zisha clay and found in a variety of earthtone colors ranging from red to yellow to black, as well as rose-brown, dark brown (the most prized color-called purple sand or zisha), light brown, and purple-red hues, all depending on the earth pigments in the clay.Some Yixing teapots are painted but you can tell the true color of the pot by looking inside, which is left natural and unglazed. Some things to consider if buying a functional Yixing teapot in which you plan to brew tea are: How does it pour? – Some teapot designs Does the lid have a proper, snug fit? – The Does the teapot have a smooth finish both inside and out? – Most Yixing teapots (except The size and cost of the teapot – Yixing teapots range in size You can find Yixing teapots in five different price categories, with the first level being the China. The second level is also a large category, but offering a little more in style Yixing teapot. The last category are the antique Yixing teapots ranging |
When shopping for Yixing teapots be aware of a scam which began around 2007 with the sale of new “yellow” clay teapots from China. These clunky, oversized fakes began popping up in Chinatown shops in both San Francisco and New York in 2007 and they may still be selling in ceramics and tea shops in the U.S. that sell oriental style wares.The fake teapots usually are shaped like bamboo shoots or stalks, dragons, or Chinese coins and made using a rough, crude clay with a strong, unpleasant odor that affects the flavor of the tea brewed in them. Even though some of the designs may be interesting to look at, you should be aware that they aren’t true Yixing Enjoy. |