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, Yixing Zisha ware 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 tea cup is meticulously crafted from authentic, unadulterated Zi Ni (original ore purple clay), embodying the rich heritage of Yixing.
| Origin |
Yixing, Jiangsu, China
|
| Material | Zisha |
| Glaze / Clay |
Zi Ni (Purple Clay)
|
| Capacity | 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) |
| Dimensions |
2.4D x 1.4H in (6D x 3.5H cm)
|
| Weight |
2.0 oz (58 g)
|
| Suggested Teas |
Oolong, Pu-erh
|
| Dishwasher Safe | N |
| Microwave Safe | N |
Instructions for Use
These versatile tea cups are perfect for savoring all types of tea. Zi Ni clay is particularly well-suited for brewing Oolong and Pu-erh teas, allowing you to fully appreciate their complex profiles.
Care & Seasoning
Nurturing Your Tea Cup Before its inaugural use, your Yixing Zisha tea cup requires a special Seasoning process, similar to preparing a Yixing teapot. Follow these steps to prepare your cup for its first brew:
- Cleanse: Rinse the cup thoroughly with clean water.
- Heat Expansion: Pour boiling water over the cup to encourage its pores to expand with heat.
- Flavor Infusion: After discarding the water, gently wipe the inside and outside of the cup with used tea leaves (from the tea type you intend to brew regularly). Then, rinse the cup with boiling water, repeating this process a few times to allow the tea essence to gradually permeate the clay.
Daily Maintenance
Before each brewing session, you may pre-warm the cup by rinsing it with hot water.
After brewing, thoroughly clean the cup promptly and wipe it dry, ensuring it remains arid.
Crucially, never use chemical detergents as they can compromise the unique flavor-enhancing qualities of the tea cup.
Pairing Recommendation
For a perfectly harmonious and authentic tea ceremony, these tea cups can be beautifully paired with our matching Yixing Zisha Dragon Egg Teapot, also crafted from Zi Ni clay.
