Mad Teapots

For the tea enthusiast — check out these mad and highly creative teapots...

Chinese Wine Vessel Inspiration to Teapot?

I did a bit of reading this morning. I am dying to know who really invented the teapot. So far, the closest thing I could find that may be the real influence is the Chinese wine vessel.

I have to admit, at first I was a little skeptical. Although the similarities were compelling, I had a hard time believing that the Chinese would redesign their wine vessel — which according to several sources, became an important kind of sacrificial object — with something so lighthearted as a cup of tea.

Then it hit me. *facepalm* Many cultures believed tea has healing properties. That would certainly make it wine-vessel shape worthy, don't you think?

500 Teapots: Contemporary Explorations of a Timeless Design

The name teakettica, just in case it wasn't obvious, stems from my love for all things tea: teapots, green tea, black tea, herbal tea, teacups — if it's tea, I love it. There is only one exception, but I'll save that for another post.

My respect for the tea industry grew after purchasing a book called 500 Teapots: Contemporary Explorations of a Timeless Design. The teapots in this book range from wheel-thrown to very detailed pieces, traditional kettles to Salvador Dali-inspired ones that might give you nightmares. They are all so incredible.

It wasn't until 4 years or so later that I realized that these teapots share the same sort of history as typography. Each teapot is inspired by a particular era. Some are graceful and elegant while others are boxy and stubby.

However, no one is really sure who invented the teapot. Some say it was the chinese; but, others say they just drank tea right out of the cup after letting the leaves settle. Scholars also think it could have been the islamics. The first teapot was introduced sometime in the 1600's.

I can't help but find this ironic — this is also the time that classical/oldstyle fonts leave their mark on the world.

I have always preferred oldstyle fonts. Goudy is my personal favorite, as it has a few eccentricities that some of the others do not. It makes sense. It was invented well after the others, in 1916.

I appreciate it's modern take on something so timeless and beautiful.