How do you select your teaware?

[debunix]

Function first, then do I like it, and then, can I afford to break it/replace it?

So it has to fill a functional need, or promise to do something significantly better than what I already have; be something I'll really use, not ignore in the cupboard because it's too ugly; and not be too precious to use.

My modest collection ranges the gamut from $2.99 gaiwans to plastic Kamjove 'kungfu art' brewing cups to direct-from-the-artisan one of a kind Hagi. Now that it's reached a comfortable size and utility, the purchases have slowed down, until I find myself wishing that I had another something just so to make a particular type/place of brewing just right.

[Ambrose]

Performance is key for me, imperfections are not my concern

[Alex]

Very basic...highly function and must be in near daily use. Keeps the tea ware I own down to a very small amount a things. Which keeps me focussed on tea

[betta]

1. Only buy teaware that "speaks" to you
2. After buying, adopt the japanese philosophy: beauty in imperfection.
However one should differ imperfection from damage.

[IPT]

I have a few antique pieces that I truly love and they have some chips, cracks, or other damage. I still love them and in some ways love them for their damage. Sometimes it adds a bit of flavor to a piece.

[TIM]

Take my time to acquire, never be cheap to myself, without a doubt that I will not regret and want to get rid of in the future. Just like getting a fine time piece that will pass on to the next generation. Those are my rules. So far, I never had a yixing that I don't wanna keep for life.