Friday, March 28, 2008
Posted by Miss Neddy at 11:02 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Categories: Tea Related Teapots

I recently bought a new camera, so I thought I would show off two of my favourite teapots. Both are from Lu Yu, the branch of the tea company Tenren which produces high quality clay teapots. Most of the teapots produced by them are limited runs, and in later years some sets bought and sold for high prices. A few teapots are classics that they produce consistently from year to year, such as the Little Pigeon:

One of their limited edition teapots that I use regularly was a gift from my good friend, 醉茶仕. It is known as the Phoenix:

The Phoenix is a 提粱壶 (tiliang hu), or a “beam” teapot, because the handle sweeps above the teapot like a roof beam instead of being an ear on the side. Another good example of a “beam” teapot is one like this:

This has a more pronounced roof beam-like shape to the handle.

How small can Chinese teapots get? How about a one-cup teapot?

The teapot is even smaller than is obvious, because I have very small hands. I have no trouble with hefting heavier teapots, but I find smaller teapots more convenient because my fingers wrap more easily around small teapot handles and lids. My two little birds (Little Pigeon and Phoenix) are not only a delight to look upon, but also a delight to use.

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