The Exotic Teapot

One would think the answer to this question is tea.  This is only partially correct.  Actually the ratio of tea to other contents is quite small.  Warm water takes up the bulk of the pot’s contents.  But what truly is in a teapot depends on what the type is and how it was made.  If its porcelain, ceramic, glass, wood, metal or even stone there had to have been an artist that designed its shape by hand or mouth.  There had to be fire for the kiln or for glass blowing; there had to be water to moisten the clay or soften the wood and earth and air is origin for all of the media.  If you think about what a teapot consists of it is very similar to what goes into it.

This contemporary white teapot was designed by Joaquim Bastos, an Industrial Design student at Escola Superior de Artes e Design in Caldas da Rainha (Portugal).   Its circular, sleek shape in basic white constitutes an unobtrusive but modern elegance.  The shiny steel stand magnifies the teapot’s globular form.   Serving white tea, pouring into white teacups or bowls would certainly harmonize and enhance the décor this teapot was designed for.

These little pigs are born small enough to fit in a teacup.  The miniature swine is gaining acceptance as a replacement to the teacup pet poodle.  Additionally, it is claimed the tiny ones, growing to the adult size of a Cocker Spaniel, are smarter than a dog.  Apparently they can learn and perform tricks.  I wonder if they can learn how to brew a cup of tea?      

This tea set, made of terra cotta, is best used for strong tea.  The reason being is that porous pots retain the flavour of previous seeped tea.  Actually you should have separate pots for teas based on: smoked teas, non-smoked, lighter teas, herbal and green.  Using separate pots maintain consistency in the flavour of your favourite brew.  China and porcelain pots are best used for oolong and green teas.

I am sure that we all have at one time or another seen something floating in our teacup that we didn’t think should be there.  But these ceramic cups have little creatures intentionally placed in the interior at the base.  When the warm tea is consumed, brilliantly hand painted butterflies, ducks, turtles, dog faces, bees, cats and hippos slowly become visible to delight tea drinkers as they reach the bottom of the cup. 

Mary Dorsch believes in recycling.  Her studio consists of old shelves and old carts.  Her clay she reuses, making round vessels then with the remains making squared pieces, such as these glorious squared teapots.  Her unused clay, she stores in old plastic bags and the energy used is from wind power.  The pots cracked from the high heat in kilns she gives to mosaic artists.  Do you know that quality loose tea leaves can be used more than once?

This pot appears to be floating in mid-air or even slowly falling from the sky.  The flowing liquid from the spout enhances the sense of motion.  I wondered if those working in the nearby office building were not heavy tea drinkers; thus, their tribute to the beverage.  But then I noticed the windows were covered with shades and shelves of vessels; perhaps this could be from management accusing workers of taking too many tea breaks.   

Who hasn’t heard the saying ‘a spot of tea’?  Apparently very few, at least that is in the UK and the US.  According to the World Wide Words Organization Americans use the phrase as often, if not more over the last few decades, than the Brits.  However, interpretation is not the same.  Additionally, region and social class impact its elucidation.  Generally Americans think it means a cup of tea whereas in the UK it refers to tea with food.  To further complicate the subject, the region in UK may alter whether it is afternoon tea with refreshment or an evening meal.  In spite of the discrepancies, there is none when it comes to the word ‘spot’ as the Brits are recognized worldwide for the slangy term.

Mel Jacobson was an apprentice to master potter Kunio Uchida in Kyoto, Japan.  During his twelve month apprenticeship he learned that tea bowls are to be used for functional purposes and aesthetically should not overshadow the traditions of the tea ceremony.  The historical restrictions of an authentic tea bowl are:

1.      The shape is either Winter (tall sides) or Summer (open sides).

2.      There should be a dent in the bottom of the bowl.

3.      The colour of the clay should be warm (red, black, brown).

4.      There should be a ring foot with a slight asymmetric cut.

5.      There should be a nipple inside the ring foot.

Haiku poetry originated in Japan in the 17^th century.  The goal of Haiku is to describe an object, person, event or feeling.  Then, reveal how it impacts the poet – similar to an ‘aha’ moment.  What makes this so challenging is it has to be accomplished in three lines and 17 syllables:  the first and third lines are to have 5 syllables each and the second, 7 syllables.  Artist Alexis Siemons, from teaspoons and petals, writes haiku poetry about tea.  She then paints the poems on white porcelain cups.

Leaves like paintbrushes

Are coloring the water

Steep it, watch and breathe.

If you haven’t visited a wine and spirits shop in the U.S. you may be surprised at the variety of tea infused vodkas on the shelves.  Even the finer pubs and bars, especially in southeastern USA, vie for the most unique tea infused martinis and cocktails.  Southerners have always been known for drinking sweet iced tea; most restaurants in the region assume that when you order tea, it is to be iced and laden with sugar.  No wonder sweet tea infused vodkas have caught on so quickly.  One brand warns that even the daintiest of belles can drink a mason jar full before feeling fuzzy. 

Shino glaze originated in the 16^th century, which ever since has been favoured by masters of tea ceremonies. It is believed shino is a variation of shiro, the Japanese word for white.  Originally artists painted under or over the white glaze with various shades of brown.  In the 1970’s, shino fire colours were introduced.  These included: flares of orange and gold; beaded surfaces, and; carbon trappings (specks of black).  Shino glaze experts now add even more pigments, such as this teapot made by Brent Johnson who specializes in Japanese folk pottery.

Decorative tea boxes, or tea caddies, in Britain date back to the early 18^th Century.  After tea became more accessible and affordable, in the second quarter of the century, a variety of box styles were introduced.   At first, most were made of mahogany or walnut and offered in single, double or multiple tiers. By the late 18th century, caddies were made of pine, oak or mahogany and skillfully veneered in different woods. It is no wonder that today there are numerous admirers and collectors of these beautiful designed antique pieces.

“When you pour tea from one of my teapots, it needs to feel right. The balance needs to be perfect. The tea needs to pour smoothly.”  Terry Parker has lived by these rules since her very first designed teapot in 1970.   She hopes that her vessels are as beautiful as useful.  The pot shown here, started with her texturing the buff stoneware, which she then placed on the potter’s wheel; hence, partially forming the pot from the inside out.  To fully expose the texture, she dipped the pot in a dark glaze then quickly wiped it off part of the textured surface so that this colour only remained in the deeper impressions.  Lastly, she dipped the teapot in a lighter glaze to cover and smooth all surfaces.

Biliana Popova believes that horizontal lines relate to all things earthly and vertical lines reflect that of divinity.  Vivid colours indicate that of the sky, vegetation and earth.  Rusty tones or hues generate emotions from the heart, such as physical or mental strengths.  With this teapot, she hopes the diversity of these theories is present.  When contemplating this concept I do see a correlation with that of tea.  Tea is from the earth and when drinking a cup, personal emotions do surface whether it a mental moment of relaxation or a way to improve physical health.

While visiting the eclectic Byward Market shops in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada, I stumbled upon a unique tea house.  As I glanced at the over 300 tea blend names appearing on the labeled jars displayed, I became dazed and confused, wondering if I was hallucinating that I was in an old vinyl record store from the early 70’s.  Employees Rio and Heather explained to me that the owner, a German immigrant, happens to be an avid music fan of classic English rock and roll.  Thus, he assigns titles to many of his tea blends after an infamous singer, band or song title.  So, I settled for a cup of “John Lemmon” and ordered a “Red Zeppelin” for take-out.

Combining herbs to make an aromatic, visually appealing and palette pleasing tea is an art.  It is similar to selecting then assembling a variety of media into an eye-catching sculpture.  Janice Rowell’s “The Way of Tea” amalgamates the art of both.  Her origami box and wheel thrown porcelain teapot is adorned with leaves and dried fruit used in herbal teas.  The colours and woody tones make it a choice piece to display throughout the autumn months.