I am quite embarrassed that it took me almost a month to post pictures of my beloved new Yixing Teapots. Nevertheless, I wanted to share pictures of these little gems. I must admit that at this time I think I am more enamored with how adorable they are than I probably should be. That is once I got over the initial shock of how small individual serve Yixing Teapots really are.
My teapots were purchased from Necessiteas, just click on the name to access the website. “Necessiteas is a small company that believes in the beauty of yixing teapots as well as the enjoyment and health benefits of tea.” I found the company very easy to work with and would certainly purchase more teapots from them in the future. I had such a difficult time deciding on a teapot considering there was a large variety to choose from. Once my decision was made, I even purchased the most delicate looking cups.
Take a look at my purchases:
Temple Teapot
To the left is the Temple Teapot. As seen in the picture, this teapot has a seperate infuser in addition to the strainer in the spout. A forest is etched into the front of this Yixing Teapot, while the back contains Chinese characters. This pot holds 7 ounces.
I have decided to use this pot for oolong teas. During the first brew, I noticed the lid dribbles down the spout when pouring. As recommended, I tried to pour at slightly different angles with little success at curbing the dribble.
In the picture to the right, you can see the Chinese characters spoken about above more clearly. (
I love the color of this teapot.)
I had so much fun during my first brewing experience. Feeling just like a kid in a candy store, this was the first teapot of the three that I decided to use. Too bad I didn’t have anyone to share this tea experience with.
I wanted to drink out of my little teacups with a friend who loves tea as much as I do. Okay, even half as much would do.
Now, on to my next Yixing Teapot…
Four Pictures Teapot
This little teapot was an unexpected find. It is the smallest of the three teapots, but so much fun to look at over and over again.
When brewing I did not experience any dribbles from the lid or spout. As the smallest of the pots, I dedicated its use to green tea. Of all the teas I drink, green tea is probably the one I drink the least. This is not to mean that I do not drink a significant amount – especially with my recent Green Tea Sampler purchase.
The Four Pictures Yixing Teapot holds 6 ounces.
Basket Teapot
The last teapot in my new Yixing Teapot “collection” is the Basket Teapot. I immediately loved the intricate design of this pot as seen in the picture to the right. While I have been duly
warned that intricate designs impact the natural patina that occurs with continued use, I purchased this pot anyway.
After much deliberation, I decided to use this teapot when brewing white teas. I tend to brew more Oolong and White tea then all of the other teas I enjoy drinking, hence the bigger pot designations. This pot holds approximately 7.5 ounces.
When brewing and pouring, I found that this pot had no dribbles at all. It is such a fun teapot to brew my tea.
You’ve seen my fun purchases – what do you think?
I love your collection. I have some yixing tea pots that I bought while in Shanghai years ago. I had braved Nanjing Road and went to the Yu yuan Gardens to find mine. What an adventure. I have a few and you’ve made me think that I need to pull mine out now. Ill take some photos and post on my blog to show you…!
Hey Tealove!
Thanks! I cannot wait to see your collection of Yixing Teapots. I have never been to China – it sounds like an adventure.
I already want to buy a couple more… one for puerh and maybe even one for black tea. I get excited just thing about it.
Hi, Teaescapade
I followed one of those automatic links that wordpress puts on your posts (on my pottery blog) and found you and these beautiful little teapots. I’ve always admired Yixing teapots. I’m told the natives don’t use cups, but drink from the spouts.
I think my favorite one is your four pictures teapot, but the basket pot is amazing, too. They’re so perfectly formed it’s hard to imagine they’re hand-built.
I can’t tell from the angle of your photos, but I suspect that the spout of your dribbling pot is higher than the lid opening. I think I probably know every mistake that can be made in creating a teapot–because I’ve made them all at least once. I made the too-tall spout mistake on an adorable little pot that I still have (couldn’t sell it like that) but seldom use.
The opening of the spout and the opening of the pot should be on the same horizontal level. If the spout is too high, the pot will dribble from the lid opening; and if the spout is too short, you won’t be able to fill the teapot all the way because tea will start to dribble out of the spout before the pot is full.
I hope this will help you in building your collection. I’ve enjoyed looking around your blog–tea is one of the small pleasures that make life enjoyable.
God bless,
Cindy
Hey Cindy!
So nice to meet you – I cannot wait to visit your blog. Thanks for the advice about my dribbling pot. I’ll have to pay more attention, the next time I brew a pot of tea.
I love these little Yixing Teapots. They make tea even more fun.
Hope you visit again!
I love the Yixing Basket teapot. I had no idea there were so many different types of teapots available! I’ve always enjoyed tea, especially high tea with friends. However, I’ve not had tea much lately. Your blog has gotten me started exploring the wonderful world of teas again. Thank you!
heavenlygardens,
When I first started searching for yixing teaware, I had no idea how wide the door was opening. There are so many styles and sizes to choose from that it can become overwhelming.
I am so glad that you are picking up your tea habit again. It is so much fun and I learn something new everyday.