Five of a kind: teapots

ARMOUR NAIL-HEAD TEAPOT

THIS style of cast-iron teapot is said to have originated in China, but the Japanese made the concept their own. Known as tetsubin, these pieces are typically elegant, decorative, yet practical. Designed to be easily transportable and suitable for use over a charcoal brazier, they are made from cast-iron, and some can hold up to five litres of water. This small 300-millilitre version is the perfect pot for two. Handmade in China, the interior has been coated with enamel to prevent rusting, and the cast-iron means it keeps its heat. The teapot also comes with a matching trivet, sold separately.
Worldpartea.com ships Australia-wide. $59.50, plus postage and handling.

HANDMADE ITALIAN TEAPOT

THESE colourful three-cup teapots are made by a pottery in the Veneto region of northern Italy, exclusively for Market Import. Each of the chubby pots comes in two colours, a base colour and a bright complementary colour on the handle and the teapot lid knob. The yellow and orange pots with light or dark blue trims are surely the most cheerful way to have a cuppa. And if you love the style you can buy matching cups and saucers, plates, mugs and bowls. Also comes in a range of other colours, including blue with a yellow trim, yellow with a green or blue trim, and an orange pot with a turquoise trim.
Market Import, Armadale. $95. 9500 0764, marketimport.com.au

HANNAH LAWRENCE TEAPOT

ENGLISH-born ceramic artist Hannah Lawrence has recently made Melbourne her home and her exquisite ceramics (as well as a range of other crafts, including basket making) have already earned her a firm fan base. Lawrence's rough-textured teapot is balanced with an elegant and simple design and the subtle embellishment of gold. Internally glazed with a delicate blue, this is a pot for special occasions or for a tea lover who appreciates both the ritual of tea-making and pouring, as well as the end result.
Craft Victoria, city. $120. craftvic.org.au

SAMANTHA ROBINSON TEAPOT

SAMANTHA Robinson's print-inspired porcelain has gained a strong following among design lovers since she established her Sydney studio in 2002. Robinson says she is inspired by nature - especially flowers, birds and butterflies - and her simple shapes, vibrant colours and intricate designs are designed to be mixed and matched. Her latest range of teapots, cups, bowls and plates is as delightful as ever, bringing a delicate prettiness to every meal or cup of tea.
$105 or $115. At Belki, Carlton North; Husk, husk.com.au; Wilkins and Kent, wilkinsandkent.com; or phone (02) 9363 0667.

OWL TEAPOT

THESE super-cute, owl-shaped teapots are handmade in Toki, in central Japan, using a traditional technique still practised by only a few craftspeople. The earthenware gives the pot a lovely rough texture and the owl motif, popular in Japan, is a symbol of good luck. These pots need special care, as the clay is porous, but if you take your tea drinking seriously, a special one-of-a-kind pot is a must and this pot certainly fits the bill. The pot has a 450-millilitre capacity, so it's ideal for two or for a generous top-up if you're relishing a cup on your own.
T2. $38. t2tea.com or phone 8698 0600.