Red stoneware teapots, such as this example, were inspired by Chinese Yixing zisha teapots which were imported into Europe from the 17th century. Zisha wares were ideal for brewing tea due to the porous nature of the clay, which absorbed the flavour and smell of the tea, and could also retain heat well. These teapots were so fashionable that Delft potters in the Netherlands began to imitate this material. The exact components of zisha clay weren’t available in the Netherlands, forcing the potters to adapt their locally-sourced clays to replicate the unglazed, watertight materials.
The most well-known makers of Delft red stoneware are Jacobus de Caluwe, who made this teapot, and Ary de Milde whose works are the most frequently marked. De Caluwe teapots can be recognized by the impressed lines alternating with small floral appliques that decorate them.
