Description
This Gong Deng (宫灯) ‘Palace Lantern’ teapot is made from authentic Qinghui Duanni (青灰段泥) clay. 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. This teapot is a modern interpretation of the classic Palace Lantern shape, featuring an attractive speckled pattern that is the natural appearance of wood fired Qinghui Duanni clay.
Qinghui Duanni clay can be found as a layer between Duanni and Zini clays. When fired it develops an attractive grey-blue colour with speckling and small iron deposits on the surface that can have a rough feel to the touch, especially around the lip of the lid. This tea pot mostly exhibits Duanni clay quality, being more porous and absorbing more flavour. It also keeps heat for much longer. As such, it is perfect for richly flavoured teas and teas that require extra heat. Ideal for shu pu-erh, strong black teas, strong sheng pu-erh and strong roasted oolong teas.
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 (DHL) in the UK and worldwide. For customers outside the EU, 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.