This afternoon was the first time I had used the red teapot. It's a recent gift from my friend, Bonnie. I love it! It kept the tea hot and steeped it well. It's called a "Tetsubin" teapot. According to the information that came with the teapot, cast iron teapots like this were first created in ancient China. They were later adopted and refined by the Japanese into Tetsubin: graceful, elegant vessels for brewing and serving tea. Made of specially purified cast iron, they are symbolic of strength and unity. A coating of black enamel is applied to the inner surfaces to help prevent the development of rust. A stainless steel infusing basket is supplied for ease of preparation. This teapot was manufactured for Old Dutch International, Ltd.