Phyllis De Fano of Portland has a smaller teapot collection – just 20 pieces – but they each have special meaning.

De Fano’s calls this whimsical rabbit teapot one her “smile pots.”

This pot has a little shelf inside where the loose tea or tea bag goes, above the water.

One of De Fano’s sets of teapots. She has been building her collection for 50 years. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer)

De Fano found this duck at the Joyce Chen market in Cambridge, Mass. She likes the simple coloration and the stylized look of the bird.

Phyllis De Fano, 73, doesn't consider herself a collector but chooses her pieces for age, color and the meaning behind them.

This tea set features unusual handles on the teapot, sugar bowl and cream pitcher.

One of the tea pots in Phyllis De Fano’s collection.

This ceramic pot has fine painted details enhanced by the black base color.