Si Ting (思亭) Zhuni Yixing Teapot
Si Ting Zhuni Teapot | Yixing Zisha
思亭 小煤窑朱泥| 宜兴紫砂
Artist: Wang Jie, Associate Master of Arts and Crafts
Clay: Zhuni from Xiao Mei Yao
Capacity: 110ml
Pour Time: 10s
Made in Dingshan, Yixing
This piece was crafted in the studio of Wang Jie, executed in pure Zhuni clay from the Xiao Mei Yao region. The Si Ting shape is one of the most elegant and famous classical shapes, first crafted in the early Qing dynasty and named after its creator. This period is widely considered the peak of Zisha culture especially as smaller, more elegant brewing vessels such as the Si Ting became adopted by scholars and poets.
Craftsmanship on this piece is excellent, executed with superbly thin walls that heat up and dissipate heat quickly, ideal for gongfu tea brewing.
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.