Unusual Novelty Teapots

This teapot is on display at the Luce Foundation. Between 1988 and 1992, Ralph Bacerra made functional teapots inspired by tree limbs and twigs. One side of the base has been cut away to show what looks like the rings of an ancient tree.

For more information on this teapot, visit the Luce Foundation where it's on display.

There are collectible teapots, particularly modern ones, to suit every taste and every budget.

Some collectors just buy any teapot that takes their fancy but there are others who only collect teapots of a certain kind. Some collect those made by a particular factory or potter while some people buy those in a shape that reflects their interests, for example, teapots that look like animals, buildings, or household objects.

The prime rule when collecting anything, including teapots, is only to buy items you like. If you like them, then there's a good chance other people will like them too. If you only buy things you believe will increase in value and you plan to sell them eventually to make a profit, you might be disappointed. It's far better to collect objects that you love to see in your home and to look on the price you pay as the cost of the pleasure you receive from seeing and owning them. That way, if you do sell them one day and make a profit, that comes as a bonus.

Another good rule of collecting is always to buy the best you can afford. You should also aim to buy only teapots that are in perfect condition. The exception to this is when you see a damaged teapot that would normally be way above your budget if it was perfect. You might like it so much that its faults don't matter to you.

Most of all, you should enjoy the thrill of the chase, looking for teapots to add to your collection and then be delighted with the sight of your collection.

When collecting teapots, there are some things you need to check if you want your pieces to maintain or rise in value. In fact, most of these tips apply to all ceramics.

Chips - The first place to check is the tip of the spout. It is common for this to be chipped. Next, take of the lid and run your finger around the rim of the teapot, feeling for cracks, then do the same around the underside edge of the lid.

Cracks - Look all around the teapot, both inside and out, looking for cracks. The reason for looking at the inside and the outside is because a hairline crack may not go all the way through. Even so, a hairline crack can get worse and the slightest knock could mean the teapot breaks along the crack.

Crazing - This is a pattern of small cracks in the glaze of a teapot. It looks like crazy paving (see picture). Although crazing may never lead to any other damage, it bits of the glaze could start to peeling off.

If you buy online from somewhere like eBay.com, email the seller and ask them if there are chips, cracks or crazing. If they say yes, ask to see close-up pictures of the faults. Then you can decide if the damage is acceptable. If the answer is no, you could email back that you will bid on the understanding that the piece is in perfect condition. Keep both emails.

Picture above: copyright © N.Hopton - Creative Commons license.

Copyright © cliff1066 used under a Creative Commons license.

This Industrial Waste Teapot was made by Wesley Anderegg in 1999 to show his concern about the problems of pollution from industrial waste. The body of the teapot is an oil drum and the people sitting on it are all wearing gas masks. The figures each hold an item: a bomb, a geiger counter and a pest spray. Note that the knob on the teapot lid is a skull and crossbones.

For more information on this piece visit the Luce Foundation.

Copyright © Independentman used under a Creative Commons license.

Copyright © cliff1066 used under a Creative Commons license.