Yíxīng

Yixing, west of Lake Tai, became known for tea and pottery. Under the Ming, a government tea station checked certificates and taxed tea from the district and its neighbours. Changing habits of tea preparation in the sixteenth century encouraged local potters to make teapots from distinctive clay.

Unglazed Yixing wares became prized in the late Ming, with makers such as Shi Dabin celebrated for their work. The products travelled far beyond the county: in the seventeenth century Dutch and English trading companies carried them to Europe, where they inspired imitations.