In the market for some teapots

[MEversbergII]

Well, aren't we all?

To the point: I'm looking for someone to suggest a good vendor pots that fit the following:

1) Porcelain or Earthenware
2) Solid colour or minimalist designs
3) ~ 250ml / 1 cup capacity

Google's turned up a few things, but what I am looking for primarily is an endorsement.

Thanks!

M.

[hopeofdawn]

My best recommendations:

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=15515

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=12296

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=14833

All unique, beautiful and fitting your criteria ....

[debunix]

I can personally endorse the first two links in that post--one of my many tea-brewing vessels by Petr Novak


Small Black Magda glazed teapot by Petr Novak - 4 by debunix, on Flickr

and my lotus pot by Yi Yong Cheol, representative of some lovely offerings from Tead Off's site


Lotus celadon teapot by Yi Yong Cheol - 4 by debunix, on Flickr
(my beautiful pots by Seong Il don't meet the criteria of being 'solid colored' but I wholeheartedly recommend them nevertheless):


Shino teapot by debunix, on Flickr

I have admired Andrezj's works too but do not have any of my own to be able to testify to their functionality as well as beauty. Related but a little farther afield (gaiwan, not pot), I am very very happy with my newest gaiwan from Shawn McGuire


Tenmoku and iron-red gaiwan and teacups - 01 by debunix, on Flickr

[debunix]

And one more, from Petr Novak, that being unglazed inside, one that I'm reserving for only roasted oolongs.

[debunix]

One last pot was glaring at me behind my back, upset for being left out--from the Tokoname teapot catalog--but I ordered that from an older version of the catalog and don't know exactly where an equivalent would be. I can say that both pots I ordered were entirely functional and lovely to use, and I've only read good things here about other pots ordered from them

[MEversbergII]

So the suggestion is go artisan? I have contacted Petr a few months ago, perhaps I should give him another message. His prices were great for a personal pot.

What about commercial pots? I'm thinking a good couple would be handy for guests, cuppings and dinners - a bit cheaper, less "wait time" should I need to replace a broken one.

M.

[debunix]

When you ask that question in a roomful of people in the throes of Teaware Acquisition Disorder, you're likely to get answers like this.....but that's not to say there aren't some lovely and practical pots available from more commercial sources. I am quite happy with my $6.99 glass pot for some uses (it shows the dance of long jing leaves so well), and my $3.99 gaiwans still come out for comparative tea tastings and other occasional use.

But my artisan pots add more pleasure to the brewing through contemplating them while I brew.

[JRS22]

There's some artisanal teaware available right now. Check out Seong-il on Tead Off's site and Greenwood makes great gaiwans and shibs for sale on Etsy.

I know all this first hand because I've got TAD.