Gu Lian Zi (古莲子) Qian Xi Zini Yixing Teapot

Gu Lian Zi Qian Xi Zini Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
古莲子 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:    145 ml
Pour Time:    8s
Made in artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing

ABOUT THE 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. 

This is a very formal, classical rendition of this traditional shape from the mid-1800s, the most famous piece immortalized in the Forbidden City museum and which is here reincarnated 1:1 in this new clay. (Final picture shows the original Forbidden City Palace Museum piece*). Excellent execution preserving the ideal proportions of the full body, elongated curved spout and flat lid.

A great piece from Shi Wen Jie, showcasing her strong technical craftsmanship combined with impeccable clay selection and firing control.

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).

* Archival Photo source: The Palace Museum website 

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.