American Teapots

[Firebug Pottery]

Hi, I was curious if there are any American potters creating unglazed, natural red clay teapots? I have not been able to find any references, and thought the people here could help me out. We are all familiar with the Yixing teapot, as well as the Japanese kyusu, but what does an American version of these look like?

Thanks,
Jayme

[Chip]

I have never seen a thin walled, unglazed clay, American-made kyusu. I have been looking for around 10 years.

Most kyusu made in the USA have very thick walls (heavy), lack balance, are clunky, and have loose lids ... and not very functional as a result.

[Firebug Pottery]

I'll send you some pics when mine come out of the kiln next week.

Jayme

[Chip]

Thanks Jayme, I cannot wait to see them!

Come to think of it, the Hagi kyusu are also rather thick walled, clunky, etc. I just have not seen anything tokoname-like.

[JBaymore]

Hi, I was curious if there are any American potters creating unglazed, natural red clay teapots?

Jayme,

You might find some of the teapot work of Richard Notkin of interest.

best,

.............john

[Firebug Pottery]

I definitely think that Notkin produces some interesting pots, and his body definitely matches color with yixing pretty well (and it definitely fulfills the requirements of my question). I can't help but feel however that they were not created for drinking tea, but more for "Art" purposes. I would be interested to pour one. The examples I can think of off hand are the heart, and cooling towers, more social commentary than craft, does he produce a more utilitarian version? Are there any others you have seen? It just seems odd to me that there just seems to be almost no American version of the yixing or tokoname teapots being produced, regardless of how many of them are influenced by tea bowls, and wood firing. Just seems like an odd hole in our field. Does it seem that way to you as well?

Best,
Jayme

[Leafbox Pete]

It might be worth spending some time searching on Etsy for teapots. Occassionally, you can come across stuff that is made here in the US. It may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it would be a good place to start.

It is certainly the place I would be selling teapots if I was making them in a workshop.

[edkrueger]

http://www.chriscampbellpotter.com/
Still thicker walls, but the newest model –which is in the works– should be better.

[Chip]

It might be worth spending some time searching on Etsy for teapots. Occassionally, you can come across stuff that is made here in the US. It may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it would be a good place to start.

I think almost all of our TC TeawareArtisans have etsys. You should certainly check them out if interested in Western teaware.

http://www.chriscampbellpotter.com/
Still thicker walls, but the newest model –which is in the works– should be better.

Sooo, are you going to ask Chris to join our TeawareArtisans??? His Bizenish pieces would certainly get a lot of looks!

[chicagopotter]

I've been meaning to set up my Etsy site, but really hate taking pics. With that said, posted some images of my teapots here: http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 01#p183799.

[edkrueger]

Sooo, are you going to ask Chris to join our TeawareArtisans??? His Bizenish pieces would certainly get a lot of looks!

I won't be seeing him for a while. I missed him last time I tried to talk to him about it, but I will mention it next time I see him.

[Chip]

Sooo, are you going to ask Chris to join our TeawareArtisans??? His Bizenish pieces would certainly get a lot of looks!

I won't be seeing him for a while. I missed him last time I tried to talk to him about it, but I will mention it next time I see him.

That would be outstanding!!! Thanks!

I've been meaning to set up my Etsy site, but really hate taking pics. With that said, posted some images of my teapots here: http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 01#p183799.

I did not realize you did not have an etsy. Good luck setting it up! I hear it is so easy, even a moderator can do it.

[Firebug Pottery]

I finally got some pictures taken of some of my recent teapots.

[Firebug Pottery]

This detail show the clay a little better.

[Chip]

Wow, very cool. I did not see these on your site nor etsy. Are these past pieces or not for sale pieces?