Auspicious Four Seasons (四季如意) Zini Yixing Teapot

Auspicious Four Seasons Zini Teapot | Yixing Zisha
巨轮珠壶 底槽清 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Wu Hong Fang, ranked "Arts & Crafts Master"
Clay:    High Grade Zini
Capacity:    190ml
Made in artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing

ABOUT THE TEAPOT
A charmingly designed Zini teapot, uniquely transitioning from a squared base to a circular opening at the top. The four-sided base alludes to the "Four Seasons" theme of constancy/perpetuity, while the lotus petal motif adorning the edges are the symbol of Auspiciousness or Contentment. 

From an academic perspective, combining the two major traditional categories of square/polygonal Zisha shapes (方器）and spherical shapes (圆器) in a harmonious whole is a feat of artistic design and technical execution. The organic curve of the squared base attests to the handmade nature of this piece -- flowing lines and transitions not easily replicated by simple molding. The surface finishing (明针) on all the complex curves is executed delicately yet effortlessly, a testament to the artist's decades of experience shaping Zisha clay.

The creator of this piece is Master Wu Hong Fang, a senior Zisha artist who started her career as Zisha apprentice in factory 1 in the 80s. She works wonders with her signature clays of Zini, Di Cao Qing and Jiang Po Ni, each piece retaining the glazed iron color and stone-textured finish. 

CARE OF YOUR ZISHA:
1.   To clean your new teapot, first rinse well inside and out with lukewarm water. Then fill with hot water just off the boil, steep for 30s and pour out. Repeat the hot water rinse 2-3 times as needed.
2.   Brew your favorite tea!
3.   After the session, empty the spent leaf and rinse out well with lukewarm water. Dry the exterior gently with a soft cloth if needed to remove any stains that remain.
4.   Air dry in a well-ventilated are with the lid removed. 

other tips:
-    Never use detergent or any other cleaning agent on Zisha!
-    Our Zisha is to quality; boiling with tea leaves (or tofu) before use is not needed.
-    Your teapot will develop a patina through regular use and care. Avoid pouring tea over the exterior of the pot to hasten the process, this will quickly result in a “dirty” looking pot.