'Finally' - Day is Done Teapot

By Terry Phillips

Quadra Island, BC

Approx Size 12” W x 13” H

The theme is 'FINALLY' and “Day is Done” is the last of the nine teapots. Now it is time for the final cup of tea before bedtime using a teapot that could be from the Arabian Nights with its glittering beaded curtain hanging in the background. The midnight blue teapot glows with golden stars and a moon, while sunset infuses the sky. 

 Breath deep the night air, scented with jasmine tea.

Inspired by a Master II - Teapot

By Terry Phillips

Quadra Island, BC

Size approx 12” W x 13” H

This is the 7^th in the series of teapots, dedicated to the master Japanese potters who have been making teapots for centuries. The Japanese are also master tea makers in the highly ritualized tea ceremony that take making a cup of tea to the highest level of “wabi,” the inner experience of human lives like self control, introspection, respect, humility, and “sabi,” the outer material side of life like imperfection and emptiness. Following these principles of Buddhism were the first steps on the road to enlightenment.  The peach branch makes me think of Pearl S Buck, surely a master writer of some of my favourite stories.

The peach branch in the background is a symbol of longevity and immortality. A peach branch was used in China to ward away evil. It is the perfect fruit to accompany a peaceful cup of tea.

(with thanks to Wikipedia for the information about peaches, teamaking, and Japanese pottery.)

Architecture - Blue and White Teapot

By Terry Phillips

Quadra Island, BC

Approx Size 12 “ W x 13 “ H

This is the 8^th teapot in the series, and the most difficult to fit with a theme. On the surface there is the architecture of the pagoda on the teapot and the little mountain hut in the landscape. But I was also trying to contrast the architecture of the rough, brown, craggy mountain of nature with the smooth, refined, blue and white globe of the glazed teapot. There is some not so obvious symbolism between the grandeur and dominance of a sacred mountain and the architecture of very large, imposing buildings like cathedrals and skyscrapers built by architects, however humble they may be.

Nonetheless, there is sanctuary in the mountain hut as there is sanctuary in a cup of tea.  

The mountain is pure fabrication, as is the design on the teapot.