Choosing a teapot isn’t just about looks — it’s about craftsmanship. In traditional Chinese teaware, the difference between wheel-thrown, hand-built, and mold-made teapots can be subtle to the untrained eye, but significant in terms of artistry, performance, and authenticity.

Let’s break down these three teapot-making techniques:

? Wheel-Thrown Teapots (手拉壶)

This method uses a potter’s wheel to form the body of the teapot. It allows for smooth, symmetrical shapes and quick shaping. However, Yixing clay is not always ideal for throwing due to its stiffness, so this method is more common in porcelain or stoneware.

• Pros: Elegant symmetry, efficient shaping

• Cons: Less common for Zisha clay, may lack hand-built character

• Best for: Tea drinkers who appreciate clean lines and modern aesthetics

Explore beautifully crafted teapots made by skilled artisans at TeaTeapot.com.

? Hand-Built Teapots (手工壶)

Also known as slab-built or coil-built, hand-built teapots are formed piece by piece using traditional tools, entirely by hand. Each part—body, lid, handle, spout—is shaped, fitted, and refined manually.

• Pros: High artistry, one-of-a-kind, full control over thickness and balance

• Cons: Labor-intensive, requires high skill

• Best for: Collectors, tea connoisseurs, lovers of traditional craft

Browse authentic hand-built Zisha teapots at TeaTeapot.com.

? Mold-Made Teapots (模具壶)

These are formed by pressing clay into pre-made molds. It’s a mass-production method suitable for beginners or casual use but lacks the individuality and fine finish of handmade teapots.

• Pros: Affordable, consistent appearance

• Cons: Limited artistic value, less durable over time

• Best for: Budget-conscious tea lovers or beginners

Conclusion:
When buying a teapot, ask how it was made. A hand-built pot offers tradition and soul, while wheel-thrown pots provide elegance, and mold-made versions give budget access to tea culture. Choose what resonates with your tea ritual.