Unique Teapots

Unique teapots can be found in any genre, of any age. The word unique is defined in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary Online as, the only one if it’s kind, unequaled, or unusual. This definition makes it hard to label a teapot as unique in every opinion, and so it is largely the opinion of the collector that makes any teapot truly unique.

Yixing teapot

The beautiful, handmade, Yixing teapot is prized by collectors. The pots are made, much like the Brown Betty teapot from a special, purple tinted clay that is found just outside the town of Yixing, about 100 miles from Shanghai.

The first Yixing clay teapot by a monk from the Jin Sha temple, in the 1500s. Yixing teapots were thought to bring out the best flavor of the Chinese teas. The pots were made for individual use and the owners would drink their tea directly from the spout. Owners of the Yixing teapots generally steep only one type of tea in the pot. This is due to the pots being unglazed and absorbing the unique flavors of the tea. Because of the nature of the unglazed clay, the look of the pot will change over time making it even more unique.

The more whimsical a teapot was during the Victorian era the better. Companies like Staffordshire came out with unique teapots that were decorated in many ways. Some were even made to look like animals, or important people of the day. Later, Art Deco designs became popular. Art Deco teapots evolved with the decades and the very stylized Art Deco of the 1920s turned into the very sleek teapots of the 1940s.

• German-made Meissen teapots were often a fantasy of flowers, leaves, and intricately detailed vines.
• During the mid twentieth century Shawnee Pottery produced unique teapots one after the other. They grew in popularity with designs like Tom the Piper’s Son, King Corn, Granny Ann, and the Embossed Rose teapot.
• Majolica teapots are gorgeous in their detail. One of the most beautiful is the Camel figure teapot that was created in the 1920s. Majolica is known for its fanciful, and colorful, detailed forms.
• Red Wing Pottery created some very unique teapots during the age of Art Deco. The Gypsy Trail Teapot is a great example of some of their best atomic age work.
• Royal Doulton created a number of unique, novelty teapots over the years. They have created whimsical character teapots such as, Long John Silver, Falstaff and Cowboy, as well as many more.
• California Pottery created Post Moderne pottery, including teapots, in the 1940s. Many of the pieces were in unusual shapes, such as square or diamond shaped.

Red Ware stacking tea set, Japan

Many restaurants and diners in the mid twentieth century had teapots and other dishes created expressly for them. These are somewhat rare and very collectible. A few years ago, for example, a Howard Johnson’s Logo teapot was sold for more than $300.00! Since these teapots were in heavy use, not many of them remain, making them very sought after by collectors. Teapots from hotels are also in existence. Many of the hotel teapots will be silver or silver plate and were created in the early 1900s.

Logo teapots were not restricted to the restaurants though. In the 1930s Lipton Tea Company had Hall create teapots to be given away to their customers as premiums. Tetley tea also had premium teapots created for them. Celestial Seasonings, Bigelow, and Stash all have premium teapots. These end up being very collectible over time.

There are a number of artists currently creating unique, collectible teapots. These craftsmen and craftswomen take as much pride in their creations as did the Jin Sha monk so long ago.

• Paul Cardew creates whimsical, incredible teapots. His pots are some of the most beautiful and unique teapots in the world.
• Tony Carter creates teapots of all sorts. The English Life Collection is a series of figural pots that are made to look like real people from everyday life.
• Andy Titcomb parted with Paul Cardew to start his own pottery. His teapots include the adorable Dormouse from Alice in Wonderland.

Shawnee Pottery Embossed Rose

• Sparta Teapot Museum
• If you like very feminine teapots Roses and Teacups has some of the most delicately worked, unique teapots on the Internet.
• History of Teapots
• Tea Concepts
• Red Ware--fascinating information about yixing and zisha teapots.
• Cardew Concentration is an online Java based game of matching up Cardew Teapots.

Collecting unique teapots is a satisfying hobby. Learn to be detail oriented and look for potential problems before you buy. Check for nicks and chips, especially around the top, the spout, and the lid. Some crazing (crackly finish) is acceptable but watch for cracks. Look carefully for signs that the pot has been repaired, especially at places like the handle, and spout.

No matter how unique or rare a teapot is, if it doesn’t have a lid then it is nearly worthless. A price guide is an invaluable help for identifying and pricing unique teapots, and there are several good ones on the market. Remember though, no matter how much something is worth, only buy what appeals to you..

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