“Worldly jewels are not worth having; Yixing zisha is what truly matters.”

“Zisha” is a type of clay suitable for making utensils, found in the Huanglong Mountain area near Dingshu, Yixing. Zisha is not always purple; it can be categorized into various ores based on color and characteristics, such as zisha, red clay, duan clay, green clay, black iron sand, and others.

The creation of zisha Teapots is generally believed to have started during the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty by a monk and his student named Gongchun from the Jinsa Temple in Yixing, who selected fine soil from materials used for pots and jars to make teapots.

Recent archaeological developments and unearthed artifacts suggest that the origin of zisha teapots can be traced back to the Southern Song dynasty. Since their inception, zisha teapots have been widely loved by tea enthusiasts and collectors alike. Do you know why?

01 Elegant Shape

Zisha teapots, flourishing since the Southern Song and reaching their peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties, have developed over centuries into myriad shapes, often described as “no two square forms are alike, no two round forms are the same.” Traditionally, zisha teapots are classified into three categories: geometric, natural, and ribbed, each with its own unique beauty.

02 Good Permeability

The “Changwu Zhi” states: “Of teapots, those made of zisha are best, as they neither overpower the aroma nor impart a cooked water flavor.” brewing tea with a zisha Teapot retains the original flavor and aroma of the tea without any alteration.

Zisha has a dual-pore structure, with fine pores and high density, allowing for good permeability. The formation of these dual pores is due to both the inherent structure of the zisha clay and the varying contraction rates of different minerals during firing, which leaves behind small air pockets.

03 Enhances Tea Aroma

Zisha teapots have an absorptive property. When steam from the tea passes through the pores, some of the tea compounds remain on the walls of the pores. Over time, this results in a buildup of “tea rust” inside the pot. This “tea rust” should not be scrubbed away, as it enhances the aroma of the tea when brewing, creating a fragrant atmosphere that is delightful.

This unique quality is closely related to the permeability of the material.

04 Excellent Thermal Shock Resistance

The porous nature of zisha teapots allows for slow heat conduction, making them comfortable to handle whether lifted or held. Additionally, zisha teapots have excellent thermal shock resistance. They can be heated on a low flame without cracking and withstand sudden temperature changes without breaking.

05 Becomes More Lustrous with Use

Unlike common objects that wear out over time, zisha teapots become more lustrous and elegant the more they are used. With frequent use and handling, the surface of the pot becomes smoother and more radiant.

06 High Collectible Value

Zisha teapots were initially created for tea brewing, but their value varies based on the skill level of the maker. Crafting a high-quality zisha teapot involves meticulous steps from selecting the clay to shaping, painting, and firing. Like calligraphy and painting, zisha teapots possess both practical and aesthetic value, making them valuable investments.

Over long-term exploration and development, zisha teapots have transcended mere functionality to become works of art that combine aesthetics and utility. The teapot's warm and understated elegance complements tea, conveying a Zen-like quality. Perhaps this is the reason why zisha teapots are so beloved by tea lovers.