1. Fear of Breaking

Zisha teapots are especially fragile. Like all ceramics, once broken, they cannot be fully restored—even with repairs like gold joinery or kintsugi, which leave only a flawed beauty. How to prevent breakage?

When pouring tea, place a finger on the lid or knob to secure it, avoiding sudden movements. Never let go of the teapot while pouring, as lid drops often happen then. Avoid imitating merchants' tricks like balancing the lid or spout—these are gimmicks that risk damaging your treasured teapot.

Store it high or in a cabinet, out of reach of children or careless individuals.

2. Fear of Oil

Zisha teapots develop a subtle sheen over time, known as "patina." However, this is distinct from greasy gloss. The porous nature of Zisha makes it highly susceptible to oil, which can cause uneven spots or a garish shine.

Never let oil touch the teapot, inside or out. Always handle it with clean hands during tea sessions to avoid contamination and promote proper patina development. Keep it far from kitchens, where grease is abundant.

3. Fear of Odors

Zisha's absorbency also makes it prone to picking up unwanted smells. While this trait benefits tea brewing, it necessitates keeping the teapot away from strong odors like those in kitchens or bathrooms.

4. Fear of Detergents

Avoid chemical cleaners or dish soap, which strip away absorbed tea flavors and surface luster. For cleaning, use baking soda instead.

5. Fear of Abrasives

Never scrub with steel wool or polishing cloths, as they scratch the surface. Use stiff cotton cloths or nylon brushes gently. Intricate designs may require a soft-bristled toothbrush.

6. Fear of Sudden Temperature Changes

While Zisha teapots withstand high brewing temperatures (80–100°C) and are fired at 1050–1200°C, rapid shifts between hot and cold can cause cracks, especially in thin-walled teapots. Avoid refrigerating or microwaving; room-temperature storage suffices.

7. Fear of Direct Sunlight

Though Zisha handles thermal changes well during use, prolonged sun exposure dulls its surface sheen. After washing, air-dry naturally in shade—never sun-dry or bake.

-Author-

Pen Name: Shahai Moyun, co-founder of the WeChat public platform "Zisha Teapot Collection" (ID: kkdd66), beloved by enthusiasts and a dedicated Zisha expert for over a decade.