Translation...?

It's Chinese. If no one else responds to this today, I'll show it to the Mrs tonight and see if she will translate it for you.

 

Ok, I emailed the pics to her. She doesn't have time for a detailed translation right now, but gave me a brief run-down. Basically, it's the usual mumbo-jumbo about how the tea set was made and how highly regarded and collectible teapots have been throughout Chinese history. It also states that the materials that this set are made of are non-toxic and that tea will stay fresh even if left in the pot overnight. Also, the pot itself actually makes tea taste good and, after continued use and age, the pot will become seasoned and have an even greater impact on the flavor of your tea. The large words at the right say that the tea set is a masterpiece among tea sets or something to that effect.

As far as value, she says that sets like this are a dime a dozen (in China, that is) but that, in the region of China where she's from, there are famous artisans whose tea sets are considered highly collectible.

 

I caught that as I reread your post - that's why I edited mine!

By the way, here's a simliar tea set to give your friend an idea of value:


http://cgi.ebay.com/Chinese-purple-sand-pottery-teaset-from-Hui-He_W0QQitemZ290012005508QQihZ019QQcategoryZ86QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem