A Teapot History of Tea Drinking

A teapot is at the heart of our house it greets us in the morning for our breakfast cup of tea and it meets us at teatime for the welcoming cup when you get in from work. It has a presence on our table and whenever friends call, out comes the teapot.

We have a number of different teapots in different materials and designs, including an antique teapot, or two, but the main one is a simple white china teapot that holds at least three big china mugs of tea. The teapot and contents are kept warm by a knitted tea cozy.

Tea is an ancient drink that originated in China at least as far back as records began in the 10th century AD. In those days it was a drink that required great ceremony to make and serve the beverage. 

Tea drinking was brought to Japan from China in the sixth century and seeds were imported so that it could be cultivated in Japan. The tea ceremony also brought from China by the Buddhists and is now an integral part of Japanese culture.

India

India also has a culture of tea drinking though it was originally used for medicinal purposes and was documented as far back as 500AD. Tea came to Britain in the 1600’s with the marriage of Charles ll to a Portuguese princess and was then imported from China as a return cargo to avoid the ships coming back empty.

US, UK & Canada

The American market for tea is not as big as in England although black tea is consumed by many Americans and the market for tea has quadrupled in the last twenty years. Iced tea is a drink favoured by many in the US the tea is brewed, sweetened and chilled to drink cold as a refreshing drink. Commercial flavoured iced tea is also available in the US, Canada and Europe in cans and bottles.

Tea is also a social drink that is used by many people as an occasion for a chat or for a get together with friends. It is also used as a digestive after a meal in some countries. The majority of countries drink tea black or with a slice of lemon and a little sugar, England is the exception in that they usually drink their tea with milk and often sugar too.

Teapots come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and materials, Minton china popularised the famous willow pattern which is famous throughout the world for the tea set and dinner services they produced, antique china teapots fetch large prices in house sales and auctions. Staffordshire china teapots were also made in hundreds of different colors, designs and styles.

Many people collect novelty teapots that come in every shape imaginable and there are great craft books available that have wonderful photos of art teapots designed by top designers. They make great quirky gifts for any occasion and many shops have a selection on show so that you can make your choice. Designer teapots also make great xmas gifts with a selection of good teas for mom or for someone in their new home. So get your teapot out, invite your friends around, make a good cup of tea and have a great chat.