The above teapot is a product of the maker's applied art. It was
made after much thoughts, modifications and hard work before
we see it as it is today. We would say that the design is more
inclined to practical know how and its design serves more than
for its intended purpose - it pours well to tea cups or tea bowls.
You can also see everything in it - the tea must pour out
smoothly from the pot if it is well designed and crafted. To
make it collectible, it must look good and feel good with its
ownership. To achieve these effects, everything counts - be it
the shape, style, type of clay, the skill and experience of the
maker.
This tea pot is of pumpkin shape. Its lid comprise of
lotus flowers with a frog resting on top - indicates peace
and harmony; surrounded by the lotus flowers. Each
flower consists of one tiny stone, which is freely moving
around as you shake the lid. Thus producing such a
chilling natural sound which may add colour to your
environment of having tea with your loved ones.
Its clay is so much different from the normal ones - mixed
with red, yellow clay and others and after firing in the kilns
that produce different colors. Now, you are able to
appreciate how creative is the artist's work, who is so
skillful in engraving the clay till it is so adorable.
Look at its handle, it is not only bigger than the normal
ones with a few rings along its handle so as to give the
user a better grip, at the same time, it supports well the
pot with its weight and content together with hot water
- the art of balance is equally important here. Hence,
you can see that it must be functionable, as it may be
used frequently if not daily.
It comes with a big spout and hole - suitable for Puer
tea which is of bigger tea leaves. The pot is of bigger
capacity and the pu'er tea leaves will expand much
more in hot water when compare with other tea
leaves. Its spout at the very bottom of the pot makes
it much easier to pour out the tea. No wonder in recent years there has been an increase
in admiration of these unique teapots. Consequently,
its price has increased tremendously from a few
dollars to thousands of dollars for a single pot. And
with this increase in value, more talented artists are
attracted to this trade and quality and the craftmanship
are also enhanced. Hence, more scrutiny and quality
control is imposed on every pot. Those rejected will
then be smashed once they are out from the kiln. The
makers, especially famous ones are very proud of
their products and you can see their maker's mark
("Chop Mark") at the bottom of each pot of their
production. This seal authenticates the work.The seal
is chosen by the maker with great care - sort of self
image for them. Most of the famous potters have
their seal from a well known engraver and the
chosen characters of the seal are cut in stone.
You may agree with us that the pot can reveal most
of the maker's preference and liking. Some potters
prefer a little spout, some go for a heavy handle.
Some reproduce trunks and knotty branches. Others
have exquisite engravings of ratan or leaves. Each artist
usually produces what he or she likes best. Each pot is
represented by their individual thoughts and represented
the best of what he or she thinks at the time of making.
Similarly, each pot has its own beauty and characteristics
depending on its beholders. Here, you may say that its
beauty in green clay is good for the mind and eyes. It will
mould the sentiments, foster temperament, and improve
health of its beholders. In other words, to be happy and successful you should
drink tea brewed in such a great product such as the above
green clay of teapot. James Oh
Founder and Group CEO | 
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