This set represents four ancient teapots from I-Hsing of Kiangsu Province made during the Ching period (1644-1911). They are in the order of increasing value: I-Hsing purple sand teapot, yellow clay teapot, bundle of chopped wood teapot, and a pear skin red clay teapot. Since the late Ming period (1368-1644), I-Hsing became a famous teapot township because it produces the finest clay in purple, red and yellow that sends out the sweetest flavour of tea. The simplicity and elegence in style, the graphics or calligraphy drawing on the pots, often by reputed artists, have made the teapots more an artistic creation than a utility.