Tyler & Associates 

    Item OP772  $10.00 plus s&h  Red.  Inner diameter 2, Outer 3, Height 4 (in inches)

  Item OP773  $10.00 plus s&h  Yellow.  Inner diameter 2, Outer 3, Height 4 (in inches) 

  Item OP774  $10.00 plus s&h  Purple.  Inner diameter 2, Outer 3, Height 4 (in inches)  

  Item OP775  $10.00 plus s&h  Sand.  Inner diameter 2, Outer 3, Height 4 (in inches)  

  Item OP776  $10.00 plus s&h  Yellow.  Inner diameter 2, Outer 3, Height 4 (in inches)

Yixing Orchid Pots.  

These pots come from the Yangtze River valley, internationally known for its distinctive pots.  Yixing also is known as the "pottery production center of China."  During the Ming dynasty, 1364-1644, the clay from this center became famous and it maintains its world fame to this day.

Due to the significant amount of iron oxide, the pots come in three true colors - red, purple, and yellow.

The clay is fired to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit and this heat makes the clay stronger and more durable than common terra cotta clay.

The pots are wheel-thrown, and while the pot still is "green," a thin coating of clay slip is applied to the outer surface and it is burnished or polished.  The burnished surface allows the pot to breath, making it suitable as a plant container, and it enhances the color of the clay.

The "chops" on the pots identify the individual artisans who worked on the pot.

(Janaury 2006)