Chinese YiXing Teapots are a one-of-a-kind work of art, and a personal statement of the artist who made it. YiXing is famous because of the type of clay found only there. It is called Zisha clay and comes in five colors - red, green, black, purple, and yellow. The qualities in this porous clay make it perfect for making a teapot for brewing tea. Most YiXing teapots are small, and made for personal use. In the past, people would carry their own teapot and tea with them when going on a journey or visiting someone in another village. They would also sit down and drink tea with someone as a gesture of friendship.

Today, the teapot is still used in similar fashion. Most households in China have several teapots for the different types of tea, as each teapot is used only for that one tea and is not mixed. This is due to the porous clay which absorbs the flavors of the tea over time. There are many sizes of teapots, and it is personal preference as to which you would choose for yourself. Many of the teapot artists specialize in a size, style, shape, or even a theme. There are also vintage teapots, which can be found in villages, and sometimes in homes, that have been passed down generation to generation. Any teapots that would be considered antique, are not allowed to leave China, due to the government strict enforcement of curtailing the sale of its national treasures, which is why it is important to note that if someone is offering you an antique teapot from some old dynasty or era, beware, because more than likely it is a replica not the real thing. Many of the teapots are designed in the style of a particular dynasty known for its intricate detailing and ornate embellishments or its simplicity in style and structure. They usually typify the philosophy of famous Chinese Sages and are interpreted into their art via flowers, animals, characters, etc.

 In my travels to China over the past 20 years, I have learned alot from shop owners who sell tea and teapots and have been careful to scrutinize each teapot I purchase. My collection of teapots is over 250 strong, and each one has its own story. Some of the teapots I sell in my store are from my personal collection, and from my trips each time I go to China. Some of the best teapots I now carry are from unique little village shops in and around the Jiangsu province that are outside of the main areas most people travel. It is my desire to find rare and unique vintage and new teapots from artists who desire to express themselves through their work. By the way, I do pay them well for their teapots and do not take advantage of anyone when I purchase teapots. My time and travel as well as the cost of the item sets the standard for the prices for the teapots I sell.  

A Chinese YiXing Teapot is a one of a kind piece of art and the artist who designs it tries to exude feelings of beauty, serenity, charm, luck, long life, happiness based on the art and style of the teapot itself. This would explain why they use things from nature like animals, insects, flowers, and other icons that would be relevant to them. Their signature or "Chop Mark" is usually on the bottom of the teapot. Modern teapot artists who work in teapot factories will have their photos taken, or a certificate of authenticity come with the teapot.

Although the YiXing teapot is generally expensive, I found that they are so beautiful, that I want to make them available at an affordable price. They are all handmade, and usually will be a one of a kind, as the artist adds touches to make it unique, unusual and certainly rare. There are many types of teapots which feature characteristics such as a raised pattern or design, carved with hollowed out sections for a double wall, there are some with Chinese Characters or handwriting on them.  Some even feature mixed clay which are usually the painted ones.

The zisha clay is microporous, it holds heat longer allowing it to absorb the tea's aroma and after a period of time it will develop a type of a sheen or glow. It is also best to use one teapot for each type of tea you brew, so that as the pot absorbs the tea's aroma it will help to season the teapot..  Care is very simple - pour hot water in it till it overflows to get any clay specks out before using it the first time.  After that, when you are ready to prepare a pot of tea, heat the teapot by pouring hot water in it until it is overflowing and running down the outside of the teapot. This readies the teapot for even heat distribution when brewing your tea. After you have made your tea, make sure it is allowed to dry completely by turning it upside down and let it air dry to avoid developing mold and ruin your teapot. 

 If you are interested in a YiXing teapot, please visit my store to see the teapots that are currently available.   I have another guide on how to prepare Chinese tea. Thanks and have fun exploring Chinese YiXing Teapots! There are many available to suit your taste. I travel to China quite often and purchase teapots which I showcase in my ebay store, please visit often to see what's new! I would appreciate a YES vote from you after reading this guide that this has been of interest to you. Thank you for taking time to read this and your yes vote in advance.