Treasure
Ruyi Xi Shi Teapot (如意西施壶)
- Product Code: Ruyi Xi Shi Teapot (如意西施壶)
- Availability: In Stock
- $250.00
Author: Hu Zhong Wang (胡中旺)
Clay: Di Cao Qing Zi (底槽青)
Origin: Yixing City, Jiangsu Province
Capacity: 240ml
Dimension: 13.5cm(L)*7.8cm(H), 5.5cm (Holes)
Certification: Available
Packaging: Gift Box
Clay Material
Di Cao Qing (底糟青) is located at the bottom of the ore layer or ore bed of Yixing purple clay mine which yields the best quality. There are turquoise "corns" which referred to as “Chicken Eyes” in the block. The quality is firm, delicate and smooth, and the shrinkage rate is below 10%, after firing the colour is purple red, because of its versatility, not as porous as Duan Ni, but more porous than Zhu Ni, it has been highly praised by clay artisans since ancient times and with its pure texture, exquisite substance and consistent brown colour regarded as excellent material for a range of products.
Features
The clay is very versatile and suitable with most kinds of tea.
Recommendation
A good clay suitable for most kind of teas: Black Tea, various series of Pu erh Tea, Oolong Tea (light roasted series).
Zisha Artisan (Certificate)
The teapot is created by Hu Zhong Wang. A combination of handwork and craftsmanship spirit.
This teapot features “Ruyi” (如意) means auspicious in Chinese, the twisted lotus flower is the classic theme in ancient Chinese painting and pottery. The teapot main body shape is a traditional shape of Xi Shi pot which is elegant and seamless. It has a tight-fitting lid and smooth flow of liquid completed with inside ball-filter.
*Refer to Yixing Zisha Teapot Seasoning & Preparation Before Use
* General Remarks
Colour tone in actual product may differ slightly due to lighting conditions during photo shooting.
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Purple Sand pottery refers only to Yixing Zisha and is produced locally in Yixing. There are three main types: Zisha purple mud (紫砂泥), red mud (朱砂泥), and green mud (本山绿泥). Yixing Zisha clay is a hydromica-quartz-kaolinite clay which contains a rich content of iron minerals. The range of Zisha clays is varied along with the popularity, quality, and the availability of each type. There is a different range of naturally occurring coloured clays available. The firing temperature is generally around 1150 degrees. The firing temperature of red clay is relatively low, and it is usually used to make small pots. When choosing a Yixing Zisha teapot, we need to consider the volume of the teapot for a certain type of tea. Thus, the shape will have much influence of the tea flavour and taste.
The characteristic of Yixing teapots is their ability to absorb trace amounts of brewed tea flavours and minerals into the teapot with each brewing. These accumulate to give each Yixing teapot its own distinctive interior coating that flavours and colours future brewing. It is for this reason many tea connoisseurs will steep only one type of tea in a particular Yixing teapot, so that future brewing of the same type of tea will be enhanced.
A newly fired purple sand pot cannot be used directly to make tea, it will have a smell of soil. The purpose of “opening the pot” (开壶) is to remove the purple sand particles, therefore Yixing teapots require seasoning prior to their first use. A Gong Fu Cha master will only use one type of tea in one pot, as the build-up of the tea oils will enhance the same tea. The method of seasoning the teapot is diverse, the following is a simple way to prepare it for use.
1) Prepare a pot of water enough to cover the new teapot and bring it to boil in low to medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, without covering the teapot lid.
2) Turn off the heat, let it cool then remove teapot and clean the inner wall with tea towel under clean water, rinse and wash the interior a few times and let it dry.
3) Consider the teapot itself has a good breathability and easily absorb the aroma of tea; you can also season it so that it acquires the flavour of your favourite tea more quickly. Put 1/3 capacity of tea leaves in the teapot and pour in boiling water, cover it, and let it sit for about 12 hours.
4) After this, empty the tea soup and tea leaves and carefully rinse the inside and outside of the teapot with clean water. Then wipe clean the teapot with a tea towel, leave the lid open till teapot is completely dry. The teapot is ready for use with your favourite tea.