History of the Teapot

The Chinese were the original inventors of the teapot. The first containers were actually cups and kettles. During the Ming Dynasty (approximately 1500), potters near Shanghai made pots of red or brown stoneware. Cast iron (or Tetsubin) teapots were created in ancient China. The Japanese adopted and further developed these teapots into practical as well as decorative items. These cast iron teapots symbolized the everlasting strength and unity of the world. By the end of the century, the Chinese started using porcelain (glazed china). The teapots were top handled and featured flower and fruit designs.

About 100 years later, Europeans started making simple earthenware; many featured Oriental designs. The French at Sevres and Limoges excelled at producing teaware. But the English really made tea drinking popular. Many excellent English porcelain makers emerged. During the middle of the 18th century, with the popularity of tea on the rise, matching teasets and accessories, sugar bowls, creamers, tea boxes and caddies became fashionable. In addition, cake stands and trays serving teacakes, sweets and biscuits became popular with hostesses who threw elaborate tea parties. Many styles emerged at this time in history from ornate and elaborate Victorian designs to simple silver designs.

Today we have a vast array of choices in teaware and tea related accessories. Our site features a wide range of selections from beautiful ornate traditional teasets and teapots to our tea for one sets, tea for two sets, whimsical mugs, colorful i-pots and tumblers, state of the art infusers, serving trays and dessert plates, miniature children's teasets, a myriad of accessories and tea themed items.  We at the Teapot Boutique pride ourselves on our quality products and timeless designs.