Xi Shi with hand-engraving (朱泥西施壶手工微雕) Zhuni Yixing Teapot

Xi Shi with Hand-engraving Zhuni Teapot | Yixing Zisha 
朱泥西施壶  手工微雕 | 宜兴紫砂

Artist:    Wang Jie
Clay:    Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni
Capacity:   140ml
Pour Time:  9s
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 Xi Shi shape is one of the most classical forms and besides its beauty, also allows for the full expansion of tea leaves during the steeping process.

As a special touch to this traditional shape, the sides of the pot are also adorned entirely by hand, with a technique known as micro-engraving (手工微雕). This text depicted is the ancient "Orchid Pavilion Preface", a famous poem and calligraphy piece dating back to the Jin dynasty (ca. 400 AD) by the well-known calligrapher Wang Xizhi.

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.