The term “China” is a misnomer for porcelain in many cultures because porcelain was almost exclusively produced in China for hundreds of years until the seventeen century. It was then that tea drinking was introduced to the English and other European countries through trade and along with the trade of tea came delicate ornate Chinese tea pots renowned for their durability and function in spite of their beauty.

Once the English learned how to make porcelain they began to design tea pot set creations that fit with their own burgeoning tea customs. But their inventions were obviously influenced by the design of the Chinese tea pots. China tea pot sets are highly prized for their function and use in formal tea parties.

However, china and ceramic tea pot sets in general are much sought after commodities among antique collectors and tea enthusiasts. As a result, the terms “china” and “porcelain” are now used interchangeably among English speakers and generally refer to construction from the same type of material.

Tea pots made from china are known for their strength and the fact that china is pretty much impermeable to outside elements even before glazing. The properties of china make any object made from it hard, translucent, brittle and glass-like, the perfect qualities to make a decorative yet functional piece like a tea pot.

Unlike their cast iron counterparts, china tea pots are solely made for steeping and serving tea and aren’t made to be kept over any type of direct flame or heat source.