Burnt 'Five Colours Clay' teapot (yixing) on Ashes

Yixing teapots are made from special purple clay in the Jiangsu Province, which is located on the eastern coast of China, north of Shanghai and south of Shandong Province.

These unglazed teapots absorb tea oils and minerals, gradually seasoning the interior to enhance the flavor of the tea. They are prized for their functionality - first and foremost absorbing and releasing heat - and their unique appearance.

The invention of the purple clay teapot is attributed to a potter named Gong Chun in the 16th century, during the Ming Dynasty. This development set the standard for what would become a highly esteemed craft, deeply integrated into Chinese tea culture.

Every second year, I tend to (accidentally) break one of these. This photo is part of my Objects for an Ideal Home series along with vintage cameras, sea urchins and Japanese tube amplifiers.

Also see: Broussonetia Papyrifera, Chinese blue ink & raw linseed oil.