Description
This Shui Ping (水平) Yixing teapot is made from authentic Lao Zini (老紫泥) aged clay from Huanglong Shan (黄龙山). The clay used is approximately 20 years old. It follows a half-hand creation process where the body of the pot is shaped in a gypsum case, while the handle, spout, lid and holes are still done entirely by hand. It is made by one of the artists from the studio of Masters Gao & Xu in Yixing. Shui Ping is one of the most classic of Yixing teapot shapes, having a fast pour and being easy to use.
Lao, or ‘Old’ clay is a type of clay that has been aged for a number of years. When clay is extracted, it comes out in rocky chunks that are first weathered. While different clays do go through different specific steps, broadly all clay after extraction has to be pulverised and sifted. Afterwards it is mixed, rested and shaped into slabs, which are then aged. While most clay would be used within about 1-6 months, Lao or Old clay is aged for longer periods of generally 1-3 years but can be many years more. Aged clay has more stability, increasing the firing temperature of the pot and resulting in a darker, richer colour of the finished pot.
Zini clay features versatile characteristics as it is neither too porous nor too dense. It is suitable for brewing all kinds of tea, but best works with all types of pu-erh, black tea, white tea and all types of oolong.
About our Yixing teapots
We source our Yixing tea pots from a studio located in Dingshu Town, Yixing City, Jiangsu Province, China. The studio is run by Master Gao & Master Xu. Together they have been producing tea pots and refining clay ore for over 40 years. The studio works only with authentic purple clay from Huanglong Mountain (黄龙山) and utilises only traditional clay ore refining methods. Teapots made in this studio are either completely handmade or half-hand. For half-hand teapots the artist shapes the main body of the teapot using a gypsum cast, while the handle, spout, lid, holes and decoration are all still done entirely by hand.
Important
Only ever use water to rinse and clean your pot; never use soap or any cleaning products as the clay will absorb the chemicals.
After receiving your new Yixing teapot, please use plenty of water to rinse inside and out. Pour boiling water into the pot and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. You can also season your teapot with a type of tea you are going to use it for. Do this by putting a good amount of tea into the teapot with boiling water. Let it brew for 2+ hours. After these steps your teapot is ready to use!
Look after your pot by rinsing it with water and wiping dry with a soft towel. Yixing clay is fragile so please handle with care. As the clay absorbs flavours, we strongly recommend reserving a tea pot for a specific type of tea. With time and good care your Yixing teapot will reward you with more sophisticated flavours.
Our Yixing teapots are shipped via fully insured courier service in the UK and worldwide from London. For customers outside the UK, please verify import duties in your country prior to purchasing. If you need any assistance, help or guidance with your purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us before or after placing your order contact@curioustea.com. Shipped in a decorative protective box and pouch with a certificate from the master.
Teaware
Teaware
Teaware