The teapot is a product of applied art. It must be practical, pour well, feel good, look good, and balance pleasantly in the hand. To achieve these effects the maker uses shape and style. Teapots may be square or round, smooth or segmented, solid or graceful, abstract or made after particular shapes in nature. The artist may choose the pine, bamboo or plum tree, the orchid or lotus flowers, the dragon or the phoenix or both. Pots are made in the likeness of fruit, crops, fish, birds, turtles, frogs, squirrels and insects. Their shapes are inspired by stones, rocks, streams, and mountain and river landscapes. Or the artist may use the formal patterns of the tripod or the coin.