Description
This teapot is made from a blend of two stoneware clays from Helsingborg that I processed and mixed in order to get the prefect blend. The handle is made from willow branches that I collected during winter, dried out then re-wetted to weave the handle this summer.
This teapot has been fired twice, first in my new wood kiln and subsequently in my electric kiln. The wood kiln firing was the first attempt and the heat was somewhat unevenly distributed, leading me to re-fire these teapots in my electric kiln. The fire impacted on the pot in two ways, the ash which melted onto the surface creating the glassy areas on the exterior and the colour of the clay has been altered through the process of reduction. The direction of the fire in the kiln is also shown by which surfaces the ash accumulated on. The teapot was mostly black when removed from the wood kiln and has been partially re-oxidized when fired in the electric kiln creating a colour of clay that is truly unique and unlikely to be created again.
The pot holds 600mL, perfect for two to four people, and pours perfectly. It is the best spout I have ever made function wise. The pot is intended for use with loose leaf tea, and there is a built in strainer to stop the leaves from pouring out into the cup. In this way it is possible to brew the tea several times. It will work with bag tea as well.
There is some damage to the lip around where the lid sits due to ash fastening the clay to the material that was holding the lid during the firing.
Care instructions:
The clay is not glazed and as such will absorb elements from its surroundings. The flavour of the teas you brew in it will remain slightly in the interior of the teapot. Heavily infused teas with fruit or other flowery scents have a greater tendency to remain in the clay, so it is best to just brew leaf teas that are not infused if you want to avoid everything tasting like camomile in the future. That being said it will develop its own character with time, like a cast iron pan, this is not something to be worried about, just conscious of. I recommend not cleaning with soap, just warm water and if there is a lot of tea residue left over you can scrub with a clean sponge. Avoid contact with oil, especially on the interior surface where the tea is contacted.
If you have any questions about care then feel free to reach out and ask me.
