Fisheyes wrote:
Hi Joe!
Thanks for your kind reply. I´ve already been to Yixing a few times and find it hard to find good quality clay pots even there.
If you can get your hands on older pots (1980's and before) or on really good craftsmanship, I´m always interested
As a tea addict, for me a good pot should be usable and about 100-150 ml big, not so much decorated. My ideal is a thin walled shuiping or such like, simple styled pots.
When I was 1996 in Yixing, there was a small open air market opposite the ceramics museum. Sadly, that`s long gone - but I´m still using two pots I´ve bought after some negotiations...
So, welcome to you, too! We need some expertise and qood connections für Yixing teaware.
Hi Fisheyes,
It`s quite amazing to hear about your acquaintance about my hometown! Yes, it`s true for a foreigner to find a good one of good quality(clay, craftman`s skills and fame) at reasonable price. Some expertise and trustworthy connection to it is mandatory to help on source and advising on choices.
There're old teapots indeed but I believe most of are kept in private collections. Maybe some of them would be like to spared which I will keep you aware of. Costs maybe real high.
The open air market you mentioned is likely 江南市场/Jiang Nan Flea Market which now no longer existed and replaced with a modern market place called Tao Li(陶里). There're 2 or 3 bigger and more popular markets nowadays here. There used to be a giant sculpture-a big zisha teapot in front the street, right? See below pictures.

- a bird view

- front gate
Today I also posted on TeaChat another Subject:"
Jul.20th,2019: 2nd group of Yixing Zisha teapots" where you can likely find what you`re looking for (100-150ml). I`m new here too so I can`t attach the link to you.Sorry.
Westerners including Germany have been here in recent 2-3 years. They are mainly industrial investors here. I can introduce them to you if you have a wechat.
Welcome you back again someday!
Joe