It is the continuous transformation of zisha Teapots during daily brewing that attracts so many enthusiasts. This ongoing change is what we call “nourishing the teapot”.

Many teapot users are puzzled by this. A good teapot may show changes after only ten to fifteen uses, but some users report no patina even after a year of regular brewing. What could be the reason for this?

The following are key factors that determine the effectiveness of nurturing your teapot:

The Quality of zisha clay

The quality of clay in the market varies greatly. Some chemical clays simply do not develop a patina, remaining unchanged after one or two years.

On the other hand, high-quality clay makes teapots very delicate, with some showing immediate changes when exposed to boiling water.

The clay is the foundation of a zisha teapot. Even with excellent craftsmanship, without good clay, the teapot is like a castle in the air, unable to withstand scrutiny.

We often refer to zisha clay using terms such as “original mountain” and “raw mine”, which indicate Huanglong Mountain. Compared to clay from other areas like Changxing and Anhui, original Huanglong Mountain zisha clay is easier to nurture through brewing.

Original Mountain Material

Most original mountain materials are flaky sedimentary ores containing organic matter, and those with higher oil content are better. Many non-local ores are powdery or stony, lacking oiliness.

This also determines the potential for developing a patina on your zisha teapot. If there has been little to no change after prolonged use, it might be non-original mountain material rather than genuine zisha.

A few brewings can already make the teapot noticeably smoother, which is why teapot enthusiasts place great emphasis on the quality of the clay, seeking out original mountain zisha.

The Technique of Applying the Burnisher

The burnisher is a tool used in zisha production to smooth the surface of the teapot while it is still un-fired, commonly made from buffalo horn, hence its common name: buffalo horn scraper.

The burnisher does more than just smooth the surface of the teapot; it also brings finer particles (commonly referred to as “slip”) to the surface.

At the same firing temperature, a teapot that has been properly burnished will have a higher degree of vitrification, resulting not only in a uniform color but also greater body strength (resistance to breakage). The unique properties of zisha, including breathability without permeability, are fully manifested.

The difference between applying the burnisher several times versus dozens of times is significant. With the same clay, more burnishing generally leads to an easier development of patina.

Firing Temperature

Different clays require different firing temperatures, and some clays can produce different effects at various temperatures.

For example, Dicang Qing can be fired into multiple colors. The firing temperature also affects the breathability of the teapot, with lower temperatures generally resulting in better breathability and easier nurturing.

Frequency of Tea Brewing

This is self-explanatory—the difference between brewing three times a day versus once every three days.

Type of Tea Used

Different types of tea can affect the nurturing process differently. Online opinions vary, but personally, I find Tieguanyin, black tea, and Pu'er all suitable for nurturing teapots. This is for reference only.

In cases where there is no noticeable change even after a year of brewing, the issue is likely related to the clay or the craftsmanship:

1. It is a slip-cast or wheel-thrown teapot

These are made from extremely fine clay slurry mixed with water glass, losing much of the breathability characteristic of zisha. Therefore, even with regular brewing, they do not undergo significant changes.

2. Excessive Polishing

A zisha teapot comes out of the kiln as it is. However, some sellers polish the teapot excessively for aesthetic reasons, which also inhibits the development of a patina.

I believe the factors mentioned above largely determine the effectiveness of nurturing a teapot. The term “purple jade and gold sand” compares zisha to precious jade, and the transformation from clay to jade-like beauty is achieved through the process of nurturing the teapot.

When your cherished teapot develops a patina through long-term handling, the visual enjoyment will give you a sense of accomplishment.