Flat Pear "Bian Li" (扁梨) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Flat Pear "Bian Li" Zhuni Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
扁梨 - 小煤窑朱泥 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:     Chen Tu
Clay:    Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni
Capacity:     160ml
Pour Time:    12s
Made in Dingshan, Yixing

An eternally classical design, this Bian Li or Flattened Pear shape is one of the most representative forms in the tradition of literati-style Zhuni small creations. It is a shape that, despite its apparent simplicity, is challenging to execute with the right proportion and line. Every single element on the pot is critical towards the form as a whole -- the proportion of lid and body, the curve of spout, thickness of handle, and the shape of the lid knob.

This is a pot we re-commissioned over a year ago (after a previous piece was purchased by a dear collector friend), but due to an extremely long wait-time, it is only available now. The clay we selected is a beautiful example of Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni, which yields a lovely textured skin that radiates light and wrinkles alluringly across the shoulders of the pot.

The artist Chen Tu is a young, upcoming craftsman (who are typically known as 青年实力派), yet to take formal certification exams (due to significant cost and time requirements), but already executing very impressive pieces. He is a relative to the extended Xia family, whose works (by house artists Xia Ming Jie and Qian Hong we also offer).

ABOUT THE CLAY

Zhuni clay is best known for its beautiful red luster and highly neutral properties when brewing tea. A high-quality Zhuni teapot should give a clean and bright, almost metallic sound when lid is lowered or raised, evidence of solid craftsmanship and thorough high-temperature firing. Zhuni has a high shrinkage rate when firing, which can result in low yields, so great skill is needed in working with this clay. 

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.