Yixing Teapots

For many hundreds of years, enthusiasts of the varieties of tea found in China have celebrated Yixing (pronounced yee-shing) teapots as superior to all other tea pots for their brewing properties. The special properties are a result of the zisha clay which contains iron, mica and quartz. This special clay used for making the tea pots is only found in Yixing. This produces the unmistakable qualities that absorb the delicate flavors of the tea . The special teapot itself becomes more seasoned with each use and it invariably grows better with age.

Yixing teapots date back to the Sung Dynasty (960 - 1279) when the purple tinged zisha clay was first mined as a resource around in China. Throughout Chinese history, their true earthy tones and delicate beauty were honored and became a centerpiece of Chinese culture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1573 - 1911). Eventually in the later centuries, these teapot treasures began to be exported with the many fine assortments of Chinese tea to Europe. To this day Yixing tea pots are highly sought after and still retain the unmistakable beauty and superior practical functionality of the traditional teapot; they are highly cherished.

In the same tradition, most Yixing tea pots were small so that an individual might have their own. The use of tiny cups were also proportionate to the small teapots, and drinking dozens of these miniature cups per day was not to be considered unwarranted. Another special characteristic of a zisha clay teapot is its ability to retain heat. Microscopic pores originating in the clay and finalizing during the firing process provide a natural material benefit in retaining both heat and flavor.

All in all, Yixing teapots are both beautiful works of art and practical everyday tea making devices. Ancient Chinese methods using special, naturally occurring clay have over the centuries produced a tea pot making method of the finest quality and tradition. Browse our store for the perfect tea pot of your fancy and begin enjoying the delight of owning a very special teapot today.

Again, please feel free to contact us we would love to expand our recipe section, clarify any questions you may have, and lastly make sure you, as a customer are very satisfied. 

And Remember to Take Time for Yourself. 

Copyright © 2003-2004, SpecialTea Pots service@specialteapots.com
No part of this web site - text, images or html  can be transferred, printed, copied,reproduced

mechanically, digitally or electronically through any medium

without prior notification and written permission of SpecialTea Pots.