Teapots thousands of years in the making

SpecialTea Pots makes it easy for anyone to become an accomplished brewmaster — it’s all in the teapot.

The Callow Avenue store features an assortment of Yixing (pronounced EEE- shing) teapots, known for retaining heat and flavor.

“They’re considered to be the best teapots in the world,” said SpecialTea Pots owner Jill Coulson as she selected an intricately designed teapot featuring the body of a Chinese dragon. “They’re designed to make the best tea.”

Each Yixing teapot is handmade and crafted of a purple clay called Zisha — although the teapots range in color. Made of mica, quartz and iron, there are no harmful products used in the making of the pots.

“There’s nothing harmful, no metal,” Coulson said.

Each teapot also features a built-in filter and can go from one extreme temperature to the other without breaking.

“It’s a very special product, very well-made and it’s reasonable,” Coulson said.

All of her teapots start at $13 and come with their own booklet and silk case.

It was a few years ago that Coulson ordered a couple of Yixing teapots off the Internet.

“I fell in love, so I ordered hundreds,” she said with a chuckle.

She got started selling online — which she continues at www.specialteapots.com — and now has her teapots available at retail and wholesale prices.

“I have about 100 teapots here in the store and more available online,” she said.

Many of the Yixing pots have themes and meanings including some that are based on Chinese astrology signs.

Her shop, located next to the Metropolis Art Gallery, features tables for customers to come in and take a break from their busy days to enjoy a cup or pot of tea. And for any non-tea drinkers in the group, Coulson offers other beverages including smoothies.

SpecialTea Pots also features more than 130 teas, herbs and botanicals. Children’s dress-up tea parties are available by appointment.

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