Yixing Zisha teaware is celebrated for its exceptionally dense yet perfectly porous structure. Unlike ordinary ceramics, it boasts an unseen double-pore composition that provides remarkable breathability without any leakage. This unique property allows the vibrant color, enticing aroma, and rich flavor of your tea to be preserved for extended periods. With diligent care, a Yixing Zisha teapot will gradually develop a magnificent "patina" – a lustrous, smooth surface that deepens in beauty with every use.
As a protected geographical indication product of China, Yixing Zisha holds profound cultural and artistic significance. A poetic ode aptly captures its prestige: "What are earthly jewels worth, when Yixing Zisha is paramount?" This verse unequivocally speaks to the unparalleled value and esteemed status of Yixing Zisha.
Yixing Zisha is famously known as "Wuse Tu" or "Five-Color Earth," a testament to its rich and varied palette of colors, including purple, black, green, yellow, azure, and reddish-brown. The fundamental categories of Zisha clay are Zini (purple clay), Hongni (red clay), and Duanni (duan clay).
This particular teapot is crafted from authentic, unadulterated Zi Ni (purple clay). The "Dragon Egg" (Longdan) teapot, a design that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, is admired for its fluid, natural lines and its robust, dignified, and harmonious overall form.
Origin | Yixing, Jiangsu, China |
Material | Zisha |
Glaze / Clay | Zi Ni (Purple Clay) |
Capacity | 6.1 fl oz (180 ml) |
Dimensions | 4.3L x 3.1W x 3.1H in (11L x 8W x 8H cm) |
Weight | 5.0 oz (143 g) |
Filter / Strainer | Built-in Ball Filter |
Suggested Teas | Oolong, Pu-erh |
Dishwasher Safe | N |
Microwave Safe | N |
Instructions for Use
This Zisha teapot is thoughtfully designed with a built-in, ball-shaped filter in its spout. With a generous 180ml capacity, it's perfect for inviting a few friends or enjoying a cherished tea time with family.
Due to Yixing Zisha's unique ability to absorb tea essence and enhance flavor, it is highly recommended to dedicate each Zisha teapot to a single type of tea. Zini teapots are remarkably versatile and can be used for various teas, though they are particularly favored for brewing Oolong and Pu-erh teas.
Care & Seasoning
Nurturing Your Teapot Before its inaugural use, your Yixing Zisha teapot requires a special Seasoning process, akin to preparing a cast-iron pan. Follow these steps:
- Cleanse: Rinse the teapot thoroughly with clean water.
- Heat Expansion: Pour boiling water over the teapot to encourage its pores to expand with heat.
- Initial Infusion: Discard the water. Select a tea type (it's recommended to continue using this same tea type for future brews with this pot) and brew it in the teapot (do not pour out or drink).
- Cool & Rinse: Once the tea in the teapot has cooled, discard it and rinse the teapot. Your seasoning is complete!
Daily Maintenance
Before each brewing session, you may pre-warm the teapot by rinsing it with hot water.
After brewing, thoroughly clean the teapot and wipe it dry, ensuring it remains arid.
Crucially, never use chemical detergents as they can compromise the unique flavor-enhancing qualities of the teapot.
Cultivating the Patina ("Bao Jiang")
While brewing, as the teapot's temperature rises and its pores expand, use a dedicated soft brush dipped in cool water to gently brush the teapot's surface. This technique allows more tea oils to penetrate the clay, contributing to the formation of a luminous and smooth patina.
After brewing, while the teapot is still warm, use a semi-dry cloth to polish it. This helps ensure the patina develops uniformly.
Pairing Recommendation
This teapot can be perfectly complemented by our matching Yixing Zisha Tea Cups for a complete and aesthetically harmonious tea set.