News
Collection
Archive
Exhibitions
Touring Exhibitions
Aberystwyth Touring
Animal Fantasies
Taking Tea
Sensational Ceramics
Learning & Outreach
Publications
Research
22nd May 2012Taking Tea
Yixing
Yixing is an area and city in Eastern China noted for pottery from roof tiles to garden pots. Especially famous are its teapots in a fine brown clay. These were first exported to Europe in the 17th century and by the 18th century were being imitated by Staffordshire potters. They are hand-built using paddles to make the form and part moulded to create unusual sculptural shapes. During the Cultural Revolution in China (1968-78) the industry went into decline but has since been revived. There is an extensive export market appealing to collectors and the finest examples are used as diplomatic gifts. 
The dark purplish brown clay can be fired to a high temperature (1200 degrees C) and the pots are left unglazed to give a slight porosity which means the teapot builds up a rich flavour.
4. Teapot 1995, H.10.5cm,
Moulded form with fluting in the characteristic purplish-brown clay
Catalogue
Taking Tea Introduction
Factory Production
Staffordshire Teapot On Stand | Souvenir Mug | Sadler And Sons Ltd | Yixing
Studio Pottery
Geoffrey Whiting | Mary White | Janice Tchalenko | Richard Launder | Sarah Walton | Walter Keeler | Morgen Hall | Angus Suttie | Peter Meanley | Katsue Ibata | Rioje Koie | Paul Scott | John Pollex | Sandy Brown | Virginia Graham | Lowri Davies | Martin Lungley |
