Long Dan (龙旦) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Long Dan Zhuni Gongfu Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
龙旦 本山朱泥 功夫小品 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:  ex-Factory Craftsman
Clay:   Huanglong Shan Zhuni
Capacity:    145ml
Pour Time:    7s
Made in Dingshan, Yixing

This is a super thin-walled piece handmade with Zhuni from Huanglong Shan, with a single-hole filter and fast pour. It is a variation on the classic Dragon's Egg or Pear shapes, with a flattened cap that lends it a more poised, stable look. Such thin walls are especially challenging to execute in Zhuni as they are prone to cracking in the kiln, however when done well, they allow for fast heat-transfer and cooling. Thus, this pot is particularly good for young sheng, delicate oolongs and other teas that are sensitive to over-steeping. 

The artist is a veteran craftsman who worked in the former Yixing Factories, now mostly retired and only working on small studio commissions. Despite not being formally certified like many newer artisans, his years of factory experience shows in his expert handling of clay and confidence with these handmade classical designs. 

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.