Description

SiamTeas Signature Backhandle Teapot 200ml, light grey – click pictures to enlarge

Tea Pottery  @ Siam Tea Shop – The Signature Line

All elements of the SiamTee Signature line are individually handcrafted pottery aworks of art according to my specifications, taking orientation on the elementary instruments of tea preparation. For this purpose, the Siam Tea Shop collaborates with 2 reputed German master potters with relevant specialization. While the Lower Saxon pottery master Karina Klages has had an international reputation in the field of teaware for several years, Katja Junker initially earned her spurs in general ceramics and, eventually finding a higher calling through Siam Tea Shop.

The clay typically used is a major coining factor of each of the 2 artists’ work. In addition, there there are specific individual style features that are characteristic for any artisan’s work. The goal of the Signature Tea Pottery line was to merge such artist-specific characteristics aesthetically and functionally with those of classic role models. In addition to a tendency towards simplicity in design, there is an aesthetic focus on the nature of the clay. The line therefore often works with unglazed surfaces, highlighting the color and structure of the respective clay.

In line with the aesthetic concept, the functional dimension of the elements of the signature line is based on a philosophy of simplistic perfectionism. This means that the respective function of a vessel finds a rather uncomplicated implementation with focus on smoothest possible use. This in turn harmonizes perfectly with the basic aesthetic concept of simple natural beauty.

The Backhandle Teapot in Tea Preparation

The backhandle teapot is a (clay) vessel for preparing tea, which in this form is typical for China. There, the teapot came up duringthe 17th century, in the backdrop of the change from boiled powder tea to infused leaf tea. From then on, enjoying exquisite teas prepared in precious teapots played a central role as a symbol of social status and higher culture in Chinese society .

In the most classic of all basic shapes, the upper edge of the backhandle forms a straight line with the lid opening and the upper edge of the spout. Today, however, there are also many basic designs of backhandle teapots that differ from this. However, the classic basic shape promotes functional properties such as the teapot’s pouring behavior. In order to enable the tea leaves’ loose placing in the vessel for pouring over, such vessels usually have an internal spout or panoramic strainer. While panoramic strainers rather represent the industrial style, the spout strainer integrated into the clay work proves the artistry of the pottery master with handcrated pieces. After brewing, you simply pour the finished tea into tea cups. Then you refill the vessel with hot water for another infusion.

In China, the classic teapot basically serves for preparing pretty much all kinds of tea. However, the gaiwan or glass jug dominates the preparation of green and slightly oxidized teas. That is why classic teapots predominantly serve for the preparation of dark oolong teas, black teas and pu Ehr teas .

SiamTee Signature Backhandle Teapot 200ml, light grey

The basic material of the handcrafted backhandle teapot by the Lower Saxon tea potter Karina Klages is a fine-grained light gray clay. The crafting takes place by means of an elaborate wood firing process (bisque firing at 900°C). The coarse, fine sandy surface emerging during firing helps the vessel, particularly the handle, to best haptic properties. Together with the simple, functional design, it also shapes the overall aesthetics and visual appearance of the tea vessel.

The teapot pours drip-free and can be easily touched and moved by the handle even in hot condition. Regular cleaning with warm water helps against the formation of patina. Where needed, however, the vessel is also dishwasher-safe if required. The shapely, elegant-looking Kyusu with integrated spout strainer and characteristic backhandle is ideally suited for the preparation of various types of tea. The optimal filling level for drip-free pouring is to about the middle of the strainer holes, approx. 200ml.

Why so sparsely glazed?

Well, why so sparsely glazed… First of all, it were natural, unglazed works that had initially inspired me to the line. On the one hand, because the natural clay greatly emphasizes the connection between the soil and the tea leaves. Then, because the desirable properties of clay with tea preparation will show best this way. And thirdly, I found the unglazed vessels simply incredibly beautiful and best reflecting the simple character of tea.

Please note ! Since each of our SiamTeas Signature Shiboridashi is individually hand-crafted, virtually every specimen is unique. Therefore, minor deviations in shape and capacity may occur between individual specimens.

Other elements of our SiamTeas Signature Tea Ceramics Line

For more elements of SiamTeas’ Signature Tea Ceramics line – Shiboridashi, Gaiwan, Teapots and Tea Cups, follow this link:

Signature Tea Pottery @ Siam Tea Shop