It's All In The Clay: A Brief History Of The Yixing Teapot

The Yixing teapot has been in use for hundreds of years. Some sources indicate that the pot was first created in the 10th century during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). They suggest that the pots were handmade by a monk at that time.

While, today, Yixing teapots have the reputation of being the best tea pots for brewing in the world, they were not originally favored by China's elite. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279) the Yixing teapot was, instead, the teapot of the Literati, who also used Zisha, the purple sand clay used to make Yixing tea pots for other items, including brush rests and washers.

Although Yixing teapots were used during the Song Dynasty, they did not seem to become massively popular until the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 a.d.) five centuries later. The Yixing teapot was, perhaps, most popular during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1912 a.d.)

While originally Yixing teapots were probably made of just clay, artisans began developing different kinds of enamel to coat them with in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These were usually very colorful and bright. Some artisans also added calligraphy.

From the 1910s to the 1930s the teapot also enjoyed popularity abroad. European artists added, not only enamel, but also gold and silver accessories. After the 1930s, however, the production of the Yixing teapot stopped almost entirely, due to war and political upheaval. It did not come back again in full force until the 1950s, when the government set up communes designed the purpose of restoring old traditions.

Today, the Yixing teapot is in high demand. Yixing collectors look for teapots made and signed by particular masters. The ornamental designs sometimes found on the teapot also catch collectors' interests.

It is not, however, just the look of the Yixing teapot that attracts buyers. Many believe that the clay enhances the flavor of their tea. Furthermore, because tea is used in the creation of the Yixing teapot and because the pot is rinsed, rather than washed with soap, Yixing teapot users may be enjoying the flavor of ancient teas along with the tea they themselves brew.

Collectors look for particular kinds of clay. Old, purple sand clay from Yixing is the most highly sought after. Red clay, too, is popular. Newer clay is less pleasing to some collectors because it does not have the same qualities as old purple sand clay. Sometimes, chemicals are added to Yixing pots, which can keep them from enhancing the flavor of tea the way a traditional Yixing teapot does. Nonetheless, even newer Yixing teapots are in demand.


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Karen Davis is a yixing teapot enthusiast. She is the founder of brownstoneshopper and online webstore that sells yixing teapots, tetsubins and tea. Her webstore has been helping people learn about the decoration of the yixing teapot. Visit us oline @ http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/contact/


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