A brief history of the evolution of teapots

The first teapots appeared in China during the Yuan dynasty. Before their invention, people simply boiled water and added tea leaves directly to it, either in a cauldron or a bowl—a simple but impractical method. Inspired by wine vessels, artisans of the time adapted these containers to facilitate tea brewing. Under the following dynasty, the teapot quickly became an essential and valued accessory.

The oldest teapot still preserved dates from 1513 and is on display at the Flagstaff Museum in Hong Kong, in the section dedicated to tea accessories.

Originally, teapots were small, designed for individual use. It's even said that some Eastern tea drinkers drank directly from the spout. Over time, tea's social function grew: sharing, ceremonies, and convivial moments. Teapots therefore became larger to retain heat longer and serve several people at once.

When the teapot becomes an art object

The silhouette of the teapot is now universally recognizable: a delicate spout, a handle, a lid. While the shapes vary—slender, round, or generous—its identity remains. The materials have also evolved. In Europe, porcelain became the symbol of refinement, as tea was long reserved for the elite. Today, porcelain, ceramic, silver, and glass coexist. Glass, in particular, enhances colored and flowering teas, offering a true visual spectacle with each infusion.