Care & materials

Four materials, one rule. The rule is that everything on the outside of the pot was put there by hand, and detergent does not know the difference between paint and dirt.

What it is made of

EarthenwareThe body of every potSlip-cast in a plaster mould and fired to bisque. Thicker and more forgiving than porcelain, which is why the moulded detail holds up, and also why a pot should be warmed before boiling water goes in.

Ceramic colourEverything you can seeBrushed onto the raw bisque before glazing, so the colour sits under the glaze rather than on top of it. It will not rub off in normal use. It will lift under a dishwasher cycle or a long soak.

Clear glazeInside and outFood-safe, dipped rather than sprayed, which is why it pools slightly in the moulded corners and breaks lighter over raised edges. Fired a second time.

Metallic lustreBrass and gold details, and the whole of the tapA thin metallic layer fired at a lower temperature than the glaze. It is the most delicate finish we use: never microwave it, never scour it, and expect it to dull if it is washed in detergent.

Warm before brewing

A splash of hot water, swirled and tipped out, then brew. It stops the thermal shock that eventually crazes a glaze, and it keeps the tea hot for longer.

Rinse straight after

Empty the leaves and rinse with warm water while the pot is still warm. Tannin that dries in the bottom is far harder to shift than tannin that never sets.

Soft cloth only

Warm water and a soft cloth on the outside. No scourer, no cream cleaner, no bleach. If something has stuck to the glaze, warm water and patience will get it.