A Toast to Tea: Exploring the Kamm Teapot Collection

Very little in this life beats a cup of tea that’s brewed in a proper teapot. There’s also something special about sharing a cup with a loved one, a simple act that fosters intimacy and conversation. As spring unfolds and the warmth of May envelops us, we find ourselves on the cusp of two holidays that invite us to slow down, reflect, and cherish the connections that enrich our lives: Mother’s Day (May 11) and International Tea Day (May 21).

In this spirit, we’re showcasing a selection of teapots from the Kamm Teapot Collection, the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of teapots, accumulated over 35 years by Los Angeles residents Sonny and Gloria Kamm. Headquartered in Encino, the Kamm Teapot Foundation also operates a storage facility in Statesville, North Carolina, where the physical collection is organized and catalogued. Their interest in teapots began as a complement to their collection of contemporary art, blossoming into a passion that has resulted in over 17,000 teapots, tea sets, and tea-related ephemera. While Sonny and Gloria collect teapots from all over the country, we've carefully selected artists from their collection who hail from Western North Carolina. Alongside teapots from the Kamm Collection, we’re also highlighting two additional pieces by regional artists Jan Kolenda and Laurie Caffery.

Whether you're a seasoned tea devotee, new to the world of tea, or simply a sculpture enthusiast who loves a quirky pot, there’s something here for everyone to savor. So brew yourself a cup of Darjeeling, call your mom, and settle into your comfy chair before scrolling through our very favorite teapots from Western North Carolina.

Kathy Triplett: ‘Blue Teapot’

First up is this quirky teapot by Weaverville ceramic artist Kathy Triplett. With its boat-shaped body, tubular spout, and wheel-like base, this little blue pot resembles an industrial steam engine or even a peppy boat carrying cargo (tea, obviously) across the ocean.

Laura Peery: ‘Button Box Teapot #2’

Doth mine eyes deceive me? Laura Peery’s button box teapot may look like a sewer’s dream solution for storage, but the charming yellow pot is, in fact, mostly crafted from ceramic, right down to the buttons.

Michael Sherrill: ‘Solomon’s Seal’

Bat Cave ceramist Michael Sherrill offers this psychedelic take on the teapot. With its large, upright frame and undulating curves, his polychrome stoneware pot will require more than a little elbow room to accommodate pours.

Kelly Muse Reed: ‘Sex Pot’

Here’s one teapot you might not want to gift your mother. Soft and round, this sexy woolen pot was hand-crocheted and felted by Kelly Muse Reed. Fun fact: The handle is modeled after female genitalia, while the spout takes after a male’s.

John C. Littleton/Kate Vogel: ‘HOMAGE TO A TEAPOT’

Spring is the perfect season for this elegant teapot collab from John C. Littleton and Kate Vogel. Cast from green glass, the leaf-shaped pot, hollow and translucent, rests on a pair of outstretched hands, like an offering or invitation to the table.

Jan Kolenda, ‘Grapevine Treepot’

Incredibly, Jan Kolenda’s “treepots” are made entirely of stoneware. Her pots mimic the look and texture of branches, bark, and leaves, making them the perfect gift for those who would rather have their teaparties al fresco.

Laurie Caffery, ‘Garden Teapot’

Similarly, Laurie Caffery’s Garden Teapot should have tea enthusiasts trampling over one another for a taste of Earl Grey in the great outdoors. Decorated with bunnies, mushrooms, and butterflies, Laurie’s delightful pot is topped off with—what else?—a carrot lid. Not a fan of carrots? Check out the Fox Teapot in Laurie’s gift shop.

All images published with permission of the artist(s) and Kamm Teapot Foundation; featured image: “Sex Pot” by Kelly Muse Reed.