Small Pear Shui Ping (小梨形水平) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Small Pear Shui Ping Zhuni Teapot | Yixing Zisha
小梨形水平 朱泥 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Wu Hong Fang, ranked "Arts & Crafts Master"
Clay:    Zhuni
Capacity:    80ml
Made in artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing

ABOUT THE TEAPOT

A micro-sized creation from Master Wu Hong Fang's studio, in a classic Qing dynasty pear shape (梨形), and crafted in the traditional choice of a coarse-ground, textured Zhuni clay. This Meng Chen (孟臣) style shape was first seen in small Zhuni pieces produced during the Qing era, is really a combination of two classic elements -- the full body of a pear or lixing (梨形) ideal for steeping, alongside the pointed spout (剑流) of a shuiping (水平) which gives a strong, direct pour.

This is one of the smallest pots that Master Wu has agreed to produce for us in just a few pieces. Despite the very small dimensions, the classical form is well proportioned and the lines are clean, testament to Master Wu's discipline and skill. A coarse-filtered zhuni clay was selected for its highly textured feel, giving presence to this small piece. The result is a tactile clay that embraces granular variation on its "skin" (unlike the mirror finish of fine-mesh zhuni), which gives an old-world feel to this traditional piece.

The creator of this piece is Master Wu Hong Fang, a senior Zisha artist who started her career as Zisha apprentice in factory 1 in the 80s. She works wonders with her signature clays of Zini, Di Cao Qing and Jiang Po Ni, each piece retaining the glazed iron color and stone-textured finish. 

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 lukewarm water. Dry the exterior gently with a soft cloth if needed to remove any stains that remain.
4.   Air dry in a well-ventilated are with the lid removed. 

other tips:
-    Never use detergent or any other cleaning agent on Zisha!
-    Our Zisha is to 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.