Handmade De Zhong Yixing Zisha Teapot

De Zhong teapot was created by Shao Daheng, a master of Zisha teapot in the Qing Dynasty, and is one of the classic Zisha teapot types that have been passed down to now. Its shape is inspired by an ancient percussion instrument -- "zhong", so the teapot body is mostly cylindrical, giving a sense of dignity and stability.

TeaVivre’s De Zhong Yixing Zisha Teapot is made by Sun Wen. The teapot is of an elegant shape and coordinated proportions; the body is exquisitely portrayed and engraved. The 170ml capacity is convenient and practical, suitable for 2-3 people to share.

Material – Qing Shui Ni (清水泥)

The ore for this purple clay is a type of mica-rich hematite, often used for drinking mugs in ancient times. Because this clay contains relatively fewer impurities than other raw materials, and because it does not change shape or glaze when firing, it is widely used for crafts. It is mellow and ruddy as well, often earning the name of “red purple clay” or Hong Qing Shui. The clay has a quaint look to it, and after using a teapot made of this material for brewing the same type of tea over and over, the taste of that tea in further sessions will gradually deepen. For these reasons and others, both teapot makers and tea drinkers love this kind of clay.

The Maker - Sun Wen

Sun Wen is a young female potter born in Dingshu Village, Yixing in Jiangsu Province, an area famous for its pottery. Her parents are experienced craftsmen of the discipline, and served as inspiration for her interest in the art of Yixing purple clay from her childhood. She has always studied hard in order to improve and advance her own workmanship, eventually establishing a quaint, elegant style of her own, including words and pictures carved into the teapot to enhance its meaning.

Origin

Yixing County is known as the Pottery Capital of China for its extensive 6500-year history of the craft. The area boasts abundant resources of argil, tea, bamboo, and charcoal, each of which contributes an important base material for the making of pottery. Yixing Zisha products have earned countless prizes both at home in China as well as abroad, with a few exceptional works presented as national gifts during international diplomacy.