teapot

A teapot is a vessel used for brewing and serving tea. It is designed to hold hot water and loose tea leaves or tea bags, and to pour the prepared infusion into cups. Typical teapots have a rounded or bulbous body, a handle, a spout, and a lid, and they are made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, glass, or metal.

Originating in China, teapots first appeared in the Ming dynasty era and were later produced in various shapes and materials. Yixing clay teapots, produced from zisha clay, are especially valued for their porous surface that absorbs aromas during repeated use. Tea culture spread to Europe in the 17th century, leading to porcelain and metal designs and, later, the development of the English teapot as a tabletop centerpiece.

Many modern teapots include built-in strainers or removable infusers for loose-leaf tea. The lid should fit snugly to minimize heat loss and drips. Spout design affects pouring and prevents dripping and splashing. Temperature and material influence heat retention; cast iron pots retain heat well, while porcelain heats evenly and shows the tea’s color.

In different regions, teapots are stylistically distinct: Yixing teapots are prized in Chinese gongfu tea, kyusu pots in Japan typically have a side handle, and traditional British teapots emphasize tea service with matching sets and ornate decoration. Care varies by material; most porcelain and ceramic teapots are hand-washed and temperature-sensitive, while metal pots may be used on stoves or kept as décor.