skip to main content

Question about a teapot

14 years ago

Hello! Thank you for viewing this post! I have an interesting question. My mother-in-law recently went to China. Before she went, I asked her to find some nice glass for me to put in my fishtank as decorations. While she was there, she found a porcelain teapot that she thought I might like more. I do like it, it's amazingly beautiful, but I'm concerned about the fact that she bought it at a mom-and-pop (basically a tourist trap) store in Beijing.

The problem with this is that lead, just as with humans, is toxic to goldfish. Is there any way I can find out if there is lead in this teapot? I am including photos at the bottom of this post. I'm pretty sure it's porcelain, feels very delicate, and has a mass-produced image under a glaze. It's not hand-painted directly onto the pieces.

Thank you for any input you may have! :)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/Cocobeanorz/DSC_0014.jpg - Full set

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/Cocobeanorz/teapot.jpg - Detail of the image.

-DT

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
14 years ago
There are lead test kits you can buy to test for lead.
Try Googling, or search ebay.

Nice set.

dcarch
annie1992
14 years ago
I agree, very pretty. As dcarch mentioned, there are kits you can buy to test for lead, I think I saw them at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Lovely gift, no matter what.

Annie
Related Discussions
Teapot birdhouse
Q
Comments (14)
NewKidd - when I double click on the link to Flags' photo album, it opens up a Yahoo page which she uses for her photos. Right then and there, all of her pics open up on the right side of the page in small thumbnails and all you have to do is double click on a photo and it will open up larger for better viewing. Does this answer your question or is it that you can't open the page whatsoever or when it does open, the pics are not there at all? I've had that happen to me also, so it's not just you if that's what you're thinking. Flagtruck - Thank you so much for posting the directions for your ingenious teapot birdhouses. Along with me, I see many others are interested in making this gorgeous addition to our gardens. Altogether, we should have some pretty happy Momma birdies come this Spring. Sal
...See More
Identify: Vintage Teapot
Q
Comments (2)
The sheet with the spout is riveted on. The rivet seam has to be sealed with flame proof material, most likely this was accomplished by the enamel. The seam could have been sealed with a high temperature solder such as silver solder. However, It doesn't seem likley that expensive silver solder would have been used on this little kettle. I'm guessing it is enameled steel. The thermal expansion of the enamel must match the base metal else it will pop off with temperature change. Enamels (frit) are available for steel, but I don't know of any for aluminum or copper based alloys. Aluminum and copper based alloys have higher thermal expansions than iron based alloys.
...See More
Can you help identify this old teapot?
Q
Comments (2)
Try "flow blue" as part of the search terms. It is either oriental or made to look oriental - the shape, the handle and the recessed lid are all oriental features. Here is a link that might be useful: Flow Blue informationm
...See More
Teapot Question ?
Q
Comments (2)
That is funny...I've never seen/heard of 'UNoccupied Japan' either and I've done alot of antiqueing/auctionhounding over the years. If you find anything out about it post it here.
...See More
partst
14 years ago
You can buy a lead testing kit at your local hardware store. I havenÂt used one myself but have seen them was told they work pretty well. Look in the paint dept.
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
14 years ago
BTW, in case you don't know, the second picture shows a lady and she is playing a facinating musical instructrument.

Take a look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Tw1KUafeg&feature=related

dcarch
lpinkmountain
14 years ago
Wow, amazing that you caught that and knew about that musical instrument DC! Fascinating is right and that would really add to my enjoyment of the set, which is WONDERFUL BTW. I love tea, tea pots and all the accoutrements. Great gift from your mom Draw! Hope it tests out OK.
lindac
14 years ago
I think I am confused.
You wanted glass for your fish tank and got a tea set instead? Are you wanting to put the tea set into your fish tank????
You say it's porcelain? Porcelain is high fired and even if a lead glaze were used, the high firing "should" render it harmless.
I would certainly not worry about using it for an occasional cup of tea...as the lead glazes were mostly used in decoration and the inside probably is plain white.
But I wouldn't put it in the fish tank...constant contact for months on end? If there were even a small amount of lead would likely leach into the water and the fish would be inconstant contact with it.
Where if you made tea in the pot and poured it into a cup and drank it....maybe once a week...the tea is only in contact with the cup for a short time. I would guess about the same amount of exposure as drinking champagne out of a Waterford flute. Not the same thing as buying a pottery bowl in a Mexican market and using it for cut up fruit or a vinaigrette dressed salad several times a week.
Linda C
annie1992
14 years ago
OK, I went back for a second look at the set and found a message that said the picture had been deleted. Darn it...

Annie
lindac
14 years ago
Try it this way

Here is a link that might be useful:
annie1992
14 years ago
thanks, LindaC. Funny how I could see it at home, but not here at work...

Annie
Fori
14 years ago
The handle should definitely be removed. If you do regular water changes I don't think lead will accumulate to dangerous levels.

I wouldn't do it, though. I subjected my pet goldfish to examination by the TSA when I moved cross-country, but I wouldn't risk a teapot on 'em. =)
jessyf
14 years ago
Just don't eat the goldfish....darfc

Related Stories

TASTEMAKERS 5 Questions for Heath's Adam Silverman

By Vanessa Brunner

A studio director brings out-of-the-ordinary dinnerware and home accessories to Heath Ceramics' showrooms. See where he goes for inspiration

LIFE Calming Tempests in Teapots and Toasters

By Alison Hodgson

When is an appliance not just an appliance? When it’s an expression of love and compromise

Guest Picks: 20 Teapots With Unusual Flavor

By Annemarie H.

Perk up your Easter brunch or everyday breakfast with tea served in a pot that charms with character

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

Sponsored

More Discussions

Troubleshooting My Baking

13

Does anyone forage? Wild food favorites

15

Lars, give an expiation, please

23

Big kitchens and tiny kitchens, oh my!

13

A crisp not too sweet gluten free cookie/biscuit

4