Yixing teapots are certified lead-free. This line of Yixing ware exceeds the strict standards imposed by the China's Pottery Research Institute and is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

To ensure this high standard of quality, experts in Yixing, China were hired, to monitor and supervise the manufacture of Yixing ware. Each teapot is hand carved with selected quality clay. Design experts collaborate with local potters to adapt traditional designs and invent new ones. The teapots are then fired at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. This gives each teapot its distinctive finish.

Yixing-ware teapots come from the Yixing region located 120 miles northwest of Shanghai. They possess an astonishing history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). They flourished and matured in the late Ming and Qing Dynasties. (1573-1911.) Yixing ware was initially shipped to the West by the British and Dutch through the East India Trading Company.(1610) The Yixing ware teapot has maintained its unique reputation both in China and abroad. They are renowned as the "best vessels for brewing" by Chinese tea aficionados.

Artisans making Yixing teapots must serve a long apprenticeship under the guidance of established masters. They receive rigorous training in all aspects of their craft before mastering their techniques. Artisans utilize purple clay which contains natural minerals to create beautiful products of various colors.

Care and use: YiXing teapots have the unique ability to absorb tea flavor with continued usage. The fired clay contains tiny air pockets for insulation and enhanced taste of fine tea. For this reason, do not wash your Yixing teapot with soap only rinse it with water. Many people only brew one type of tea in a Yixing teapot. Think of it like makeing coffee in your teapress.

* For best enjoyment, first place one teaspoon of loose tea leaves into the pot, then fill with hot water and drain.

* Refill with boiling water, let the tea leaves steep for one minute and enjoy. You can refill three times or more.

* To clean, just empty the leaves and flush with hot water.