Late 19th century

Teapot

Yixing ware is a fine-grained stoneware prized for its warm range of earth tones and its slight gloss even when unglazed. The clay used in such pieces was first found in Yixing, near Lake Tai in Jiangsu province. Admired by connoisseurs for its harmonization with complex tea flavors, Yixing ware teapots become more valuable over time as repeated brewing and steeping seasons the vessel and enhances the flavor of each serving. The virtue of this miniature teapot lies in its capacity-if the pot is emptied in one pouring, the tea leaves will not stew and the delicate flavor and aroma will not be degraded.