Description and History of Yixing Teapots

The right teapot can add a great deal to the enjoyment of fine tea. Great ones go beyond functional excellence, and add an element of artistic beauty. Whether it is classic elegance of form, intricately carved scenes depicting a special story, or a whimsical and humorous design, Yixing (Ee-Ching) teapots are often catalysts for smiles.  The world's oldest tea pottery craft aims to create pots that are superior in functional aspects, while adding a distinct character to the experience of making and drinking your favorite tea.

 

Yixing teapots are made of a very special, unglazed, mineralized clay called "zisha".  Zisha is found throughout the hilly southern area of the Yixing region around Taihu Lake, Jiangsu Province in China.   There are actually three varieties of Zisha: The most common are the Zini, or rose-brown clays. The other two, more rare clays, are known as Banshanlu (creamy white to light-brown) and Zhu Ni red clay. Chemically, all are composed primarily of quartz, kaolin and mica.  Zini and Zhu Ni varieties contain high amounts of iron oxide, which lends them their purple-red color.  When properly refined and fired to a high, but sub-porcelain, temperature, they produce a type of pottery that is slightly absorbent.  

 

Legend has it that if you have prepared tea in an Yixing teapot many times, you can reach a point where, by adding boiling water alone, you can make tea, because the teapot holds enough of the tea flavor.

 

The art of creating superior and aesthetically pleasing teapots is the most revered craft in the Yixing region.  As in other areas of the art world, apprentices hone their skills by creating replicas of past masterpieces.  The most talented of each generation will rise as their skills are recognized by current masters and appreciative collectors, through the ranks of craftsman, assistant master, and perhaps master craftsman.

 

A famously designed, master crafted, antique Yixing teapot can easily bring over $10,000 at auction, with some recent sales topping $70,000 USD.  Yet, the apprenticeship process affords most of us with the luxury of owning high quality replicas at very reasonable prices.

 

In addition to advantages we enjoy from the apprenticeship process, many of today's replicas are at least partially made with the assistance of machinery.  The result has been a moderation of pricing for replicas.  If not for the introduction of machine assistance, only the most basic of these teapots would be affordable to the average consumer.  It is also noteworthy, that even though a replica may have the right form and color, if it is not produced in Jiangsu Province, it is probably not made from the zisha clay that makes Yixing teapots special.

 

Some aficionados collect pots that reflect parts of their personality, match up with various moods, and of course those that seem particularly well-suited to their favorite tea.  Most collections that begin with replicas eventually include certified originals of master craftsmen or known assistants.  These works, usually priced from $100 to $500, are still made using traditional methods, and are only distinguished from the $10,000 teapots by a matter of time and the eventual fame of the artist.

 

Teabuds is proud to stock genuine Yixing teapots from starter level replicas up through certified master works, with antique collectibles available by special request (an email link for requesting a list of antique collectibles is located on our About Collector Series page).  We thoroughly evaluate all products for everyday usability, quality of craftsmanship, value and beauty.