Bian Deng (扁灯) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Bian Deng Zhuni Gongfu Teapot | Yixing Zisha
扁灯 本山朱泥 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Shi Wen Jie, Master of Arts and Crafts
Clay:    Zhuni from Huanglong Shan
Capacity:    150ml
Pour Time:    8s
Made in the artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing

ABOUT THE TEAPOT
This is a piece from our premium range of small Zhuni teapots, made in partnership with a studio located in the former Factory 1 grounds. For this range, we selected classic designs for their elegant presentation on the tea table and suitability for our favorite tea styles (gushu puerh, dancong and yancha).

Each design is executed by either of the two young artisans (husband and wife) from this studio, in excellent Zhuni clay.

This classic shape is known as Bian Deng, or "Flat Lamp". Compared to the small "Round Pearl" design we also offer, the sides of this slightly larger 150ml pot have been extended out to create a flatter profile, echoing the ancient lamp it is named after. The broader mouth and body make it ideal for longer leafed teas (long strip oolongs), or teas favoring larger capacity pots (puerh).

Characteristic of Zhuni mined from the original Huanglong Shan mountain, this pot has a lighter red hue with a gold/yellow glow within (in contrast to the darker/redder cast of Xiaomeiyao or Zhao Zhuang Zhuni). This clay is slightly textured without being rough, giving the pot a lovely tactile feel.

 Superb quality at this price level.  

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.