Bian Yuan (扁圆) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Bian Yuan Zhuni Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
扁腹 - 大红袍朱泥 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:     Chen Tu
Clay:    Da Hong Pao Zhuni
Capacity:     130ml
Pour Time:    8s
Made in Dingshan, Yixing

A fully handmade piece in a high grade Da Hong Pao Zhuni.

The name of this design translates simply to "Flattened Round" and has its origin in the many traditional interpretations of flattened shuiping or pear shapes -- this one taken to the extreme of expression. It yields a large mouth for ease of use and broad interior for full expansion of leaf, while maintaining a superb leaf-to-water contact area, allowing for complete flavor extraction without the need for longer steep times.

The proportion and balance on this piece is outstanding, not an easy feat with these extremely flat and broad designs. It sits with poise and grace, stable and assured but as if ready for motion. The interior boasts a "pushed-in" style filter (内推孔), which although much more difficult to execute, ensures a smooth and even pour. 

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. Da Hong Pao is an informal designation given to the highest grades of Zhuni, typically exhibiting a rich but natural red coloration and a perfectly-formed, tactile "skin".

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.