Loose-leaf teas keep intact all of the essential oils that make teas flavorful and aromatic. They offer a richer experience of tea than tea bags, which are often made of tea dust, age quickly, and lose much of the original zest that makes for a great cup. To create a teapot meant for serving loose-leaf teas, you need to integrate a well-fitting infuser for the tea.

1 Throw a round-bellied pot. Create a gallery for the infuser to sit in. Compress, refine, and smooth the shape.

 

2 Measure the gallery for the infuser. When firm, trim the bottom of the teapot body and smooth the surface with a rib. 3 Throw a small cup for the infuser. Leave extra clay at the rim to make a gallery for the lid.

 

4 Measure the outside top edge where the infuser will fit on the teapot and where the lid will sit in the infuser. 5 Throw a shallow bowl for the lid. Measure it for fit. Trim the infuser and the lid and check for fit, then add a handle.

 

6 Use a needle tool to create multiple small holes in the infuser. Smooth the clay with a chamois. 7 Throw a bottomless cone shape for the spout, then curve it with a pencil. Cut it off, then pinch the edges to soften them.

 

8 Trace around the spout, then cut out a hole, score and slip the spout and body, then attach and smooth the joint. 9 Drape a pulled handle (tall enough for the infuser to be used), over a cardboard tube to shape it, then score, slip, and attach.

 

From the Pottery Making Illustrated July/August 2013 issue.

Topics: Wheel Throwing Techniques

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