Tea Sets and Tea Pots

A tea pot is used for making tea by steeping tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water. Tea pots have a handle and a spout, sometimes with an internal strainer for catching loose tea leaves when the tea is poured. Tea pots are used in several cultures around the world and each country has its own version of a traditional tea pot.

The first tea pot probably originated in China during the Song Dynasty of 960-1279 A.D. Clay tea pots were fired in kilns without a glaze and used for oolong teas. As the clay was porous, the tea pot would gradually take on the flavor of the tea as it was used and enhance the flavor of tea brewed inside it. At around this time the first ceramic tea pots were also produced and these made their way from China to Europe in the 17^th century. The traditional design of these blue and white ceramic tea pots is still a popular style in tea sets today.

Chinese tea pot picture by faungg on flickr

As porcelain could not be made in Europe at first, these imported China tea pots were highly sought after and used by rich upper class families. When porcelain started to be produced in the UK, porcelain tea sets became more widely available and used the inspiration of the Chinese designs.

The Japanese also imported tea pots from China, which were first used in the famous tea ceremonies. They then developed their own versions of the original Chinese tea pots and the Japanese tea pot soon developed a distinct style of its own. Traditional Japanese tea pots have a unique shape – they are less round than Chinese inspired versions (as if they have been flattened from the top) and have a cone shaped handle on the side of the tea pot, at 90 degrees to the spout rather than the more usual 180 degrees.

As well as clay tea pots, the Japanese also started to produce cast iron tea pots known as Tetsubin. These tea pots were at first simple vessels that were used as everyday household items to heat water in the kitchen. In the 19^th century, the style of these tea pots started to become more elaborate and became a sort of status symbol as only rich Japanese could afford to own an elaborately designed tea pot. The Tetsubin tea pot is still popular today with a beautiful shape that conjures up images of traditional Japan. Many fans claim that tea tastes better when brewed in cast iron.

There are many other styles of tea pot available from different time periods and countries around the world.  The silver tea pot was popularized in England where it was used to impress guest when serving afternoon tea. Modern equivalents include glass tea pots which allow you to watch the tea brewing and monitor the level of the tea and electric tea pots which heat up the water for your tea and keep it warm. There are tea pots to suit every style and taste from traditional designs to the ultra modern.