Teapots Transformed (Exploration of an Object)   by Leslie Ferrin                ISBN, 0-87349-427-X, Hardbound, 127pgs, $30.00 US, Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, Wisconsin 54990-0001, www.krause.com, 715-445-2214 (International, 888-457-2873 (USA), (Publisher:  Guild Publishing)

My first introduction to teapots was at the age of eight when I purchased a miniature teapot set for my mother.  Since then, teapots have been of interest to me.  Teapots Transformed will inform you about the history of teapots; teapot origins, when teapot art became popular and collectible; the impact of multicultural exchange of designs; technical requirements and materials employed.  I knew teapots had been around for ages and teapot collecting was very popular; however, I had no idea of the diversity of design and materials involved.

Teapots Transformed is chocked full of color teapot photos created by crafters around the world.  These teapots are created with clay including earthenware, whiteware, stoneware, porcelain and ceramics; knotted waxed linen; metals such as bronze, sterling silver; copper, brass and stainless steel; blown and flame glass, wire and Japanese cards.

Found objects plus decals; glass; plaster; enamel paints; wood; gold leaf; marble; oil pastels; sheet metal; precious and semi precious stones and glaze were incorporated into the design of these teapots.

Some of these teapots are elaborately ornate while others are minimalists.  Teapot shapes include both organic and geometric with the appearance of fruit, people, rocks, tree forms, animals and critters.  Each teapot is overwhelming in artistic expression.  I like the teapots with the incorporation of human figures or are shaped like human figures:  Woman and Child with Horizontal Stripes, Naturalist and Hatching News are examples.  The Bebop Tea Set is shaped much like dancing human forms and Urchin Teapot is a humorous stocky little figure with springs for legs, screw embedded body with the sharp ends facing out and long tail shapes, emulating a little guy with an attitude.  The name “Spike” seems to be appropriate for this teapot.

You do not have to be a collector to enjoy Teapots Transformed; anyone who enjoys three-dimensional art will enjoy this book.