Discover Collectible Teapots

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Many of us long to discover a particular hobby of which we can enjoy for a lifetime. With so many items for the discriminating collector to amass, such collections can range from coins to dolls and everything in between. If you prefer eye catching decor, an avenue of interest you might wish to explore is the growing popularity of teapots as a collectible.

If you have an interest in one particular area, it can often be reflected by your collection. Some cat lovers for example, collect nothing but cat designed teapots. Gardening lovers enjoy floral designs. Perhaps your home is decorated in an Oriental theme. if so, ceramic Japanese-styles of teapots might be your preference.

These collectibles can be made from in a vast array of materials as well. A popular type of teapot is the glass teapot. A glass teapot can be extremely delicate, so do be careful to place your newly found treasure in a safely enclosed cabinet, out of harm's way. Cast iron is another popular choice as well, and much more durable.

Glass Teapots

If you are an avid tea drinker and like to drink different loose teas that are available, then a glass teapot maybe just the thing for you. The reason is that glass has a pristine quality to it, and many people like this quality because it does not interfere with the taste of the tea in any way. Some tea connoisseurs believe only glass pots have this unique quality. Glass teapots generally come in nice presentation boxes which make them ideal gifts. Glass comes with different quality levels. One of the toughest and heat resistant glasses is a type known as borosilicate laboratory glass. The advantage of teapots made from this type of glass is that it will retain heat for much longer periods of time. High quality teapots will come with an infuser and wooden stand. Most glass teapots made nowadays are microwave and dishwasher usable.

Cast Iron teapots first originated in china and Japan and have become a popular item with tea drinkers and collectors over time. Usually cast iron teapots will be small in size and will have raised ornamentation that can be quite attractive. Most of them will be painted with different colors. The name for cast iron teapots in Japan is Tetsubin, and they enjoy special status in Japanese society. When cast iron teapots are used for brewing, they are known to make an excellent quality tea. If you buy a decorative cast iron teapot, it will usually come with cast iron trivets and also with a mesh basket called infusers. The infuser holds the tea leaves while brewing the tea. In side of the pot will generally be coated with enamel to prevent the cast iron from rusting. Cast iron teapots are perhaps the only teapots that are used for both boiling or brewing and serving tea.

Most English speaking cultures refer to porcelain as China. This is because porcelain was first made in china thousands of years ago. The first porcelain vases have been dated to 9000 B.C! Porcelain is used as collective term to describe all ceramic materials that are white or translucent. The word porcelain comes from the Italian word “porcellana” which refers to the white or translucent appearance of a shell. The translucent quality of certain types of porcelain is got from heating it at very high temperatures. As mentioned before, in Chinese culture, porcelain has been used for a long time to make teapots and varieties made from certain time periods are still highly prized collectors item’s, similar to Ming vases. One of the key advantages of porcelain is that they can paint it with a myriad of colors and designs on it. It is only limited by the skill and imagination of the teapot maker. China tea sets are still considered to be prized gift items in not only China but in many other countries as well. Most porcelain teapot sets will come with a teapot, six cups and a smaller pot to hold cream. The nice thing about porcelain teapots is that they come in a very wide price range, making it within the reach of most people.

If you wish to collect teapots which have more of a monetary value, you'll probably be on the look-out for antiques. A good starting point might be antique stores, auctions, china companies, even flea markets. You might even find the treasure of your dreams at a yard sale.

If you aren't particularly interested in the monetary value of collecting, but rather for the simple enjoyment factor, you can find sources online to purchase your teapots from. Amazon.com might be one such place to look. You can find a variety on eBay as well. In addition, there are many Internet stores which specialize in such collectible items at affordable prices.

Antique Teapots are usually similar in design. They will have long spot with an opening at the end of it. The lid will have a small opening in order to let air in. This is to avoid spilling of the liquid when it is poured. Teapots of any kind are creative products. Both in the shape and the various designs work done on them. This is especially true of some vintage or antique teapots. This is what makes them highly sought after as collectible items. Most antique teapots will come with something called a tea cosy. The tea cosy will prevent the tea from cooling down too fast. Before buying an antique teapot, you should always do proper research before committing to one. This way you will not only understand the value of the antique teapot, but the store that is selling it will see your knowledge and may even sell it for a lower price.

Of course teapots don't necessarily have to be antique to be collectible, and many modern varieties exist for your pleasure as well. Novelty teapots, such as ones with designs featuring famous characters from classic movies could be a favored choice for some. Cartoon favorites are very popular as well. Also found in miniature form, you can place them on a shelf for a contemporary and charming appeal. You can even find mini teapot ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree with. Or check out this rare Margaret Thatcher teapot to the right.

For the diligent collector, building an extensive collection from around the world can be very rewarding. Hobby enthusiasts everywhere have discovered the mass appeal of teapot collecting. Learning the history involved with some of the pieces you discover can enrich your experience considerably.

You do need to research your collection carefully, and perhaps get an appraisal if you feel they are of value. Knowing the value of your collection is essential if you're a serious collector. While the basic modern teapots can be moderately priced, antiques or rare designs can command an extremely high value, ranging in thousands of dollars.

Remember your collection can be handed down for generations to come, so choose your selection wisely and maintain them in fine condition. You shouldn't use harsh chemicals or detergents in most cases. Most often it would be recommended to use plain soap and water in cleaning. Never place them in the microwave or clean them in dishwashers, as many types, including ceramic can easily be damaged.

Just how many different varieties of teapots there are you can see in the video below. It's about the largest teapot collection in the world, showcasing teapots from 18 different countries, which include Holland, France, Sweden and many more.

In conclusion, with proper care, a little knowledge and ability to hunt down a true treasure, you can enjoy years of enrichment from your unique hobby. These delightful little additions are not only practical and useful, but are a fun and rewarding way for the collector to invoke her passion.