Tea drinking is considered a national pastime in China. Being consumed in practically all parts of the world, only a few nations can rival the Chinese passion for this beverage made from the tea plant. Because of this passion, the Chinese are willing to take their tea wherever they go. And along the way, they have created all kinds of innovations to make this possible. One popular innovation is the development of Yixing teapots that serve as vessels for their favorite drink. What's the big deal with this, and how did it affect the design of teapots made in China?
The yixing teapot may seem to be nothing more than a humble vessel, but this vessel is constructed to be the perfect drinking companion for fans of tea. First, it is constructed using clay. It's well-known that clay items are more efficient when it comes to heat retention, and preventing burns during handling. What's more, this teapot is capable of retaining heat as well as the quality of the tea inside. That means water or the prepared tea in the pot remains warm for quite a long time and does not spoil. Also, because of this heat-retention property, these pots can even be used for infusion. Such conveniences make the teapot an ideal carrier for hot drinks like tea.
What adjustments made these pots suitable for traveling? One of them is size. It's been said time and again that when traveling, a minimalist approach on luggage is very important. This same principal applies with the carrying of tea for travel. Because saving space is the point with these teapots, they are made as small as possible.
Most travel teapots have a capacity of just a full cup of tea. Besides being compact, this allows for some distinct advantages. Because of its size, this allows carriers to directly drink from the pot, effectively doubling as a cup. Other than that, most tea drinkers want a personalized taste for their tea anyway. And carrying individual pots is effective in that regard. Lastly, making tea in small pots allows for fast preparation and consumption.
Another thing that makes these teapots conducive for traveling is their construction. They are made in such a way that carrying it around wouldn't be too much of a problem. A short, a bent spout prevents spilling during travel. Also, these pots are made with large handles, giving its carrier a comfortable yet stable grip on his/her pot.
The Chinese people's love for tea is well-documented. In fact, they would like to bring their favorite tea anywhere they go. The creation of tiny teapots are tailor made for travel. These pots are portable enough to carry anywhere, yet efficient enough for the preparation and storage of hot tea. This practical idea resonated and immediately became a favorite of Chinese travelers. Sure, Chinese teapots have since come in all shapes and sizes, but it's these compact-sized pots that are considered distinctively Chinese.
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Karen Davis is an Yixing Teapot enthusiast and collected her first pot back in the 1980's. She is the founder of Brownstoneshopper, an online webstore that sells Yixing teapots. We have avariety of teapots showcased in our online gallery. If you enjoyed this article, visit us now online at http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/contact-us/ and sign up for your FREE Report!
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