Bian Yuan (扁圆) Qian Xi Zini Yixing Teapot

Bian Yuan Qian Xi Zini Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
扁圆 千禧紫泥 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Shi Wen Jie, Master of Arts and Crafts
Clay:    Qian Xi Zini 千禧紫泥
Capacity:    150 ml
Pour Time:    6s
Made in artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing

ABOUT THIS TEAPOT
This pot is part of a series crafted in a unique Zini clay called "Qian Xi" or "Millenium" Zini, named after the location where it was secretly mined. This special zini clay is especially prized among artists and collectors in recent years for its tolerance to firing at very high temperatures, which gives a beautiful luster and ability to develop an exceptional patina. The color is remarkably unique and can be fully appreciated in direct sunlight, where an elusive shimmer of faint pink grains can be discerned running through the purple-grey. The raw clay has been painstakingly aged and tempered over the past few years by the artist, yielding a superb granularity of texture which you can see in close-up shots. Despite its grey overtone (a result of the unique ore composition as well as the high firing temp), this clay is classified as a true zini, not to be mistaken for duanni. 

A semi-traditional shape, interpreted through the artist's own lens. Stretching elegantly upwards from a narrow base, the body fully expands and ends in a flattened top, the lid raised slightly in perfect proportion. The artist's skill is evident in the execution of the beautiful, organically curved spout. It is finished with the more difficult "inward-pushed" style filter to ensure an excellent pour.

A great piece from Shi Wen Jie, combining her mature artistic vision with a powerful technical expertise at clay selection and firing.

This family has impeccable academic pedigree combined with deep knowledge and passion in collecting some of the most premium clays, plus the capability to fire at super high kiln-temperatures (sometimes pushing the boundaries of regulations).

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.