Handmade Dabin Ruyi Yixing Zisha Teapot

Dabin Ruyi is one of the classic types of Zisha teapots, designed by Shi Dabin in the Ming Dynasty. The teapot's lid is in the shape of a projecting circle, and the lid has four symmetrically dispersed patterns of "ru yi," with a thickness of around 1 mm. Furthermore, the teapot body is large and round, and the bottom is similarly circular, thus it is supported at the bottom by three "feet." The spout is upwards, which compliments and harmonizes with the overall form. However, the pouring and cutting water performance of this kind of spout is not very ideal, and there may be some dropping. Overall, this handcrafted teapot is well-made; the 110ml capacity is adequate for single use, and the size is tiny and manageable. It's a good starter teapot.

Material - Zhu Ni

Because it is made from zhuni, this teapot is a rich red color with a slightly orange hue, and a smooth, soft surface. The style of the teapot is simple and understated, yet at the same time quaint and elegant; the material has a distinctive double-pore surface with tiny corrugations, allowing the teapot to both breathe and to hold in the fragrances and tastes of tea brewed with it.

Note: make sure to “preheat” or warm the teapot before using it to brew, by pouring warm water into and over it before the water for your tea. Zhuni does not react well to quick changes in temperature.

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.