What do you think of this teapot?

[Drezden]

It says it's Yi Xing, but I've never seen yixing separated like that. Also what do you think of the blue calligraphy, is that paint? Is that healthy to have on the outside of the pot. Does this look like genuine, even if low quality, yixing ware?

https://www.jteainternational.com/tea/c ... ng-tea-pot

[steanze]

What do you mean by separated?
Looks not so good to me, at that point it does not matter so much if it's real yixing or not

[Drezden]

What do you mean by separated?
Looks not so good to me, at that point it does not matter so much if it's real yixing or not

Thank you for responding, could you go into detail about why this doesn't appear to be a good teapot regardless of it being yixing or not?

[steanze]

I wouldn't generally trust a pot with blue carvings unless it's a master's work - for cheap pots simple shapes and no/minimal carvings tend to have nicer clay. The lighting/distance/focus of the pictures makes it difficult to evaluate the type of clay so I would pass... I hope this helps!

[kyarazen]

it is probably white. just that the white balance of the shot's off.

[Drax]

He means separated as "Yi Xing" as opposed to "Yixing." I've seen it occasionally, though it's rare. I'm not sure why some people do it and others don't.

I looked at the site's other pots, they mostly look like cheaper pots. But then, they are also priced more cheaply (a relative term).

I agree with kyarazen about the lettering... the blue is likely a photo balance issue.

[steanze]

it is probably white. just that the white balance of the shot's off.

Very likely. In which case it is even harder to evaluate the clay Oh I see Drax... In response to the OP, whether it's written Yixing or Yi Xing in the description is not very relevant to evaluating a pot both are ok ways to refer to 宜兴 although the first is a bit more common.
Looking back at the webpage, I don't see any information about the size of the pot. Very hard to buy a pot without knowing the size...

[Drezden]

I got some clarification on the pot size, it's about 6 oz and the lettering is blue though it's white underneath as some of blue coating has faded to reveal white. Does this help in any way? Thank you for your responses everyone.

[Drezden]

I guess my biggest question isn't whether this is actually yixing, as it's probably not, but if it appears to be a teapot that would season in some fashion over time and would generally be a safe clay to use for brewing. I know that is a lot to ask, especially a definitive answer from just a picture on a website though.

[BW85]

I guess my biggest question isn't whether this is actually yixing, as it's probably not, but if it appears to be a teapot that would season in some fashion over time and would generally be a safe clay to use for brewing. I know that is a lot to ask, especially a definitive answer from just a picture on a website though.

If you're willing to spend $40 more go to essenceoftea.Com and look at the pots selling for £60. Older, pure zini for a reasonable price

[steanze]

+1
I would rather use a gaiwan than a pot with mysterious clay and blue/white characters...

[Chip]

I see no upside to this pot ...

[Bef]

For really not much more money you could get an authentic factory yixing teapot from some members here...

[Drezden]

Thank you everyone! I truly appreciate your feedback and advice. ^^

[bagua7]

Is that healthy to have on the outside of the pot. Does this look like genuine, even if low quality, yixing ware?

https://www.jteainternational.com/tea/c ... ng-tea-pot

Personally I would be more concerned about water and air quality (and even food) depending on where you live.

I don't think it is a Yixing teapot but the main problem is that brewing your tea in a young vessel (especially clay) is that will negatively affect the overall brewing process (many notes and aroma will be weakened/erased).

IMO spend your money in quality water, a good kettle (ceramic is the best option) and a gaiwan or porcelain pot, and of course quality tea.