Classic Shui Ping (水平) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Shui Ping Zhuni Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
水平  朱泥 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Wang Jie
Clay:    Zhuni
Capacity:   90ml
Pour Time:  5s
Made in Dingshan, Yixing

A classic Shui Ping shape executed in Zhu Ni. This design is a must-have on most veterans' tea tables, favored for its versatility and classical good looks. Wang Jie's interpretation of this shape is full-bodied and classically proportioned, with a nice heft and balance.

The artist Wang Jie has selected a low-mesh filtered 40-mu (40目) Zhu Ni clay to craft this piece. This yields a beautifully textured and tactile surface, which we think gives this simple shape an even stronger presence, especially after forming a patina.

Wang Jie's studio specializes almost exclusively in small Zhu Ni creations, all of which are flavor-neutral and quick-pouring.

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.

This particular clay was created from ore mined in the Xiao Mei Yao region, which is prized for its strong, deep red hue, with an excellent glow that appears to emanate from beneath the surface. The sound is crystalline and bright.

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.