Yixing county, located in China's Jiangsu Province, has been known for centuries as the finest source of clay for unglazed teapots. Yixing wares become seasoned with use, developing a patina on their exteriors and reputedly adding to the flavor of your teas, while adding an element of tactile pleasure to the centuries-old ritual of brewing tea. These characteristics, combined with the classic, elegant designs of the teapots themselves, have made Yixing pottery prized by collectors and tea aficionados worldwide. Yixing-style teapots from Taiwan and Shantou (in Guangdong province) are equally appealing, and provide an additional selection of colors and textures.

Why such a small teapot?

Small teapots are intended for use when infusing a batch of tea leaves several times, the preferred method for fine oolong and green teas. This method provides excellent flexibility and control over steeping, and indeed does allow one to brew tea for several people using a single "small" teapot. For example, a medium-sized (1 cup/250 ml) Yixing teapot of oolong tea infused a conservative four times will yield more than 2 cups of tea. Of course, tea brewed in this fashion is not made all at once, and specialized teaware, such as small cups, can be used to allow each guest to sample some of each infusion as it is made.