The decision to collect a Teapot is based entirely on the collector's feelings. Human emotions are stirred by objects, which in turn generate desires, and these desires lead to the pursuit of tangible items that offer complete visual and sensory beauty in terms of decoration, appreciation, and use.

In the development history of Tea culture in China, making Teapots from natural raw stones began in the 1980s. The art of stone teapots has now formed three major styles: First, taking the art of purple clay tea pots as its source, primarily featuring traditional carving styles; second, developing from traditional carving arts into modern realistic carving styles; third, taking the natural shapes of ornamental stones as their source, with appropriate processing to preserve the original flavor of the stone, offering modern abstract and natural forms. Collectors can choose stone teapots in various artistic styles according to their preferences.

I. Artistic Form of Stone Teapots

The artistic form of stone teapots provides the first direct visual impression, primarily creating a comfortable feeling for the eye. This comfort mainly comes from the size and proportion of the four main parts: the body, handle, spout, and lid, which should be well-balanced and pleasing to the eye. For example, the spout (mouth) should have an arc shape and a sense of movement, allowing water to flow smoothly and continuously when poured. The body should be stable, and the handle should feel good in the hand.

II. Composition Art of Stone Teapots

A stone teapot with strong artistic qualities essentially presents a three-dimensional painting to the viewer. No matter from which angle you view it, it should appear as a complete painting, which can be evaluated from the perspective of painting composition aesthetics. For instance, in Chinese painting, attention is paid to the relationship between density and sparsity, ensuring that the picture is not too full and leaving sufficient breathing space. The various shapes within the composition should have variation and not be monotonous.

III. Stone Teapot Carving Techniques

This aspect focuses on the craftsmanship evident in the stone teapot work. The chisel marks reflect the artist's state of mind and fully demonstrate the artist's skill, combining the artist's insight with their years of experience. The chisel marks are akin to the brushstrokes in Chinese painting, where skilled artists can create a sense of fluidity. A well-carved stone teapot appears as if naturally formed rather than crafted by human hands. Similarly, among stone teapots of the same artistic level, the depth of carving skills also determines their value. Teapots with loose lids or random chisel marks are considered substandard or inferior.

IV. Application of Stone Carvings

Many types of stone carvings can now be used to make teapots, but not all are suitable. Firstly, consider the color of the stone used for the teapot. Different artistic styles require the appropriate choice of stone color. For example, realistic style teapots should not be made from stones with garish colors, as this would be incongruous. Additionally, knowledge of the chemical composition of the stone is important, as some stones may be unhealthy for human use if the teapot is intended for both appreciation and practical use. Furthermore, consider the practicality and preciousness of the stone. If a teapot has cracks or has been repaired with glue, it is considered inferior. How can one determine whether a teapot has cracks or repairs? One method is to gently tap the body with the lid and listen for any unusual sounds. Another is to boil water in the teapot, which will reveal any repairs.

V. Conceptual Art of Stone Teapots

The conceptual art of stone teapots reflects the author's social experiences, cultural cultivation, emotional thoughts, and artistic foundation. The success of the concept design accounts for half the success of the teapot's overall design and production. Although the actual time required to produce a stone teapot with high artistic value is not long, the conceptualization phase can take dozens or even hundreds of times longer, sometimes requiring one or two years to conceive a single teapot design. It is the thought-provoking works that truly possess real collection value.

VI. Brand of Stone Teapots

When collecting valuable stone teapots, another crucial factor is the brand, meaning one should collect teapots with signatures. Regardless of the artist, they all go through a process of growth and development. Whether early or late works, once recognized as a master, such branded stone teapots will undoubtedly have considerable collection value.