Teapots
By Ron Campbell, Owner of Merkaba
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It is said that you need a good teapot to truly enjoy a good cup of tea. Selecting the right teapot is a critical step in brewing the perfect cup of tea. Teapots vary dramatically in both design and functionality and form the cornerstone of almost any tea ritual.

* Yixing Teapots: The Yixing teapot was first produced during the Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960 - 1280) but did not flourish until the Ming Dynasty (1600). For centuries, their aesthetics have earned them the reputation of being the best vessel for brewing tea. Yixing teapots are famous worldwide for their renowned beauty and practicality. Each one is handmade individually from “Zisha” or purple clay. The Yixing teapot is made from the world’s only source of unique clay located in Jiangsu province in China. The Yixing craftsmen often inscribe Chinese art, classical literature, and calligraphy on the body of the teapots. They have become sought-after treasures and are often found in the homes of royal families and social elites.
  The Chinese have made teapots from different materials: jade, agate, crystal, lacquer, bamboo, iron, chinaware, sand, and clay. Yixing clay teapots have evolved to be the most popular teapots in China and it has endured the test of time. With continued usage the porous and unglazed teawares will absorb the aroma and flavors of your tea. It is said that if you use a Yixing teapot for many years, you can brew tea by just pouring boiling water into the empty pot. The exceptionally strong purple clay will also increase in luster and color with repeated use. They have the ability to withstand high temperatures and are slow to conduct heat; therefore, the handle remains comfortably cool even when pouring very hot tea.

* Iron Teapots: Tetsubin, or iron teapots, were originally used in the home to boil water. These tetsubins generally were not ornately decorated, as they were placed over a hearth to provide heat and humidity during cold weather. During the mid 19th century the tetsubin became more popular and evolved from being a kitchen item to being a status symbol used to serve tea. Some of these tetsubin were even elaborately decorated with a high relief design or inlay of copper, gold, or silver.
  The two region best know for making tetsubin are Iwate and Yamagata. Iwate is considered by many to produce the best quality and designs at a reasonable price. Yamagata is best known for handmade tetsubin and chagama, or tea urns, preferred by master of the tea ceremony.
  To assure the longevity of your tetsubin only use it to brew tea, not as a stove-top kettle. Do not leave tea standing in the tetsubin for long periods of time. Do not scrub the tetsubin with abrasive pads or use harsh detergents. Simply rinse it with water and wipe it dry after each use. Do not expose the tetsubin to salt or oils. In Japan, a natural mineral layer buildup from use is considered to be good for the health and to help prevent rust from forming.

* Stainless Steel Teapots: Probably the most durable of all of the pots. Stainless comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. It also comes either brushed or with a polished finish. A brushed stainless steel surface doesn’t show fingerprints, a nice feature. Most will have a removable stainless steel infuser basket. A drip-free spout is easier to manufacture and a handles are generally designed to stay cool when pouring tea. A classy, sturdy tea pot of excellent construction that is totally dishwasher safe and just waiting for an impromptu tea party or afternoon tea. An advantage of these pots for some user is that it is not porous and will not retain the flavor of the tea that is steeped in it. This will allows for many types of tea to be brewed in the same pot

* Glass Teapots: Clear glass teapots can be a beautiful addition to tea time. They are often have a somewhat bubble shaped to them. These delicate yet sturdy teapots are usually made of laboratory grade glass which holds heat longer than regular glass. They often also have a removable glass infuser for brewing and easily removing spent tea leaves. The glass pots are normally dishwasher and microwave safe, some are even safe to use on a stove top (be sure to check the instructions for your individual pot). Watching tea brew is almost as pleasurable as drinking it with a glass tea pot. You can watch the artisan teas bloom and loose leaves unfurl and float in the pot.

* Ceramic & China Pots:
Used from Royal English and European courts to the humble working class to prepare their favorite brews. From the open pore earthenware to finely glazed bone china, the varieties and designs are almost endless.
  Typically you do not want to use these pots over an open flame. Do not scrub fine china with abrasive pads. Be careful in the use of detergents depending upon the particular type of your pot as it may be possible for the detergents to be absorbed into it. As always, rinse it with water and wipe it dry after each use.


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Ron Campbell and his wife Kathy own and operate Merkaba, which features a wide variety of teas and tea items, and gifts for all your spiritual and cultural needs. Their teas come from all over the world and include organic herbal teas, healing teas, Yerba Mate, green teas, black teas, oolong, white teas, pu-erh, flavored tisanes, chai teas, flavored and blended teas. You'll find all kinds of tea products including filters, thermometers, tea bag squeezers, tea cozies, gourds, tea pots and tea sets, mugs and cups, mesh tea infusers, bombilla and even coffee and tea scoops. For more information about Merkaba's retail shop in Idyllwild, CA, or online store visit: http://www.southwestblend.com/merkaba/index.htm