Autumn Floods (秋水) Ben Shan Lv Ni Yixing Teapot

Autumn Floods Ben Shan Lv Ni Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
秋水 - 本山绿泥|宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Zhong Ze Liang, Associate Master of Arts and Crafts
Clay:    Ben Shan Lv Ni 本山绿泥
Capacity:    150ml
Pour Time:    9s
Made in artist's studio in old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing 

ABOUT THE TEAPOT
A hand-made Zisha teapot created by Zhong Ze Liang, an academically trained Zisha artisan from the studio of National Master Shi Yin Zhi.

The name of this piece Autumn Floods may be taken as a reference from the Taoist book of Zhuangzi (庄子). As the mighty Yellow River which flooded with Autumn rains, swelling with its own pride and power. But as it finally approached the mighty ocean, it realized its own insignificance and the vast knowledge that yet lay beyond its own experience. It speaks of the importance of humility and understanding one's own place in the magnitude of the universe, before being able to transcend it and attain greater enlightenment. 

" You cannot speak of ocean to a well-frog, which is limited by his abode. You cannot speak of ice to a summer insect, which is limited by his short life. You cannot speak of Tao to pedagogue, who is limited in his knowledge. But now that you have emerged from your narrow sphere and have seen the great ocean, you know your own insignificance, and I can speak to you of great principles." *

A variation on the classic pear-shape (梨形), with an elegantly curved spout echoed by a strongly shaped handle. This allows for good balance in the hand and a fast, smooth pour. The shapely lid-knob is the final flourish in this design, adding balance and elegance. 

The pear-shape in zisha can be traced back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with notable examples in the Ming Yuan (鸣远) style, or Da Bin (大彬) style -- both names of pioneering potters -- discovered in anonymous tombs, or export cargo of sunken ships. Some of these pieces are displayed in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum or National Palace Museum in Taiwan.

* Translation credit: Lin Yutao "The Chuan Tzu". 

ABOUT THE CLAY
This Ben Shan Lv Ni from Huanglong Shan is the highest grade that is collected by the Shi family. Traditionally, Ben Shan Lv Ni was used more often as a decorative clay for painting or adorning pieces made from more accessible clays, due to its rarity and difficulty of firing. Pieces made entirely from this rare clay are especially prized, as it emphasizes the artist's mastery of clay mixing and firing control in order to achieve a good color and luminosity. Pieces not fired at the right temperature will exhibit a dark cast or patchiness, or an overly white tone (lacking warmth and body) in the final product.

Click here to learn more about this studio: The House of Shi

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 hot water. Dry the exterior gently with a soft cloth if needed to remove any stains that remain.
4. Air dry in a well-ventilated area with the lid removed. 

Other Tips:

• Never use detergent or any other cleaning agent on Zisha!
• Our Zisha is top 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.