Yixing clay teapot

This traditional style commonly used to brew tea originated in China, dating back to the 15th century, and are made from clay produced near Yixing in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu.

Archaeological excavations reveal that as early as the Song dynasty (10th century) potters near Yixing were using local "zisha" (紫砂 or 紫泥 ; literally, "purple sand/clay") to make utensils that may have functioned as teapots.

Their use was popularized by Kung Ch'un, who became a servant in the house of Yixing tea master Wu Lun (1440-1522).

[4] Hundreds of teapot shops line the edges of the town's crowded streets and it is a popular tourist destination for many Chinese.

Over time, these accumulate to give each Yixing teapot its own unique interior coating that flavors and colors future brewings.

It is for this reason that soap is not recommended for cleaning Yixing teapots, but instead, fresh distilled water and air drying.

[7] Generally, the price of Yixing teapots is dependent on factors such as age, clay, artist, style and production methods.