Yixing Teapots: Craftsmanship, Selection Criteria, and Care

Types of Handmade Yixing Teapots:

We exclusively offer handmade Yixing teapots, emphasizing the individual touch of each pot crafted by skilled artisans. Within the handmade category, there are two distinct crafting methods:

  1. Handmade equals Half Handmade (半手工): Teapots labeled as handmade are half handmade. In this category teapots are crafted with a meticulous touch by individual potters. The term "handmade" on our product page specifically refers to this type. These teapots may involve the use of molds for the spout or body, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

  2. Fully Handmade (全手工): Teapots labeled as "fully handmade" are crafted without molds, showcasing the potter's skill with different tools. These teapots are priced higher due to the lower productivity and the expertise demanded in crafting. This category is explicitly referred to as "fully handmade" on our product page.

Certificates and Seals:

  • Certificates: In China, there's no centralized authority issuing certificates for Yixing teapots. Potters often print their own certificates, adding a personal touch to their creations. The absence of a certificate doesn't necessarily reflect the quality; many potters prioritize teaware making over certification.

  • Seals: Seals on the teapot bear the potter’s or studio's name, or signify the teapot's shape design, often rooted in classic designs from centuries ago. Potters use multiple seals depending on their preference for specific teapots.

Caring for Your Yixing Teapot:

  • Opening: You may have encountered suggestions to boil your teapot with rice for the purpose of opening and cleaning a newly acquired teapot. However, based on our extensive experience with tea and numerous discussions with skilled potters, tea experts, and fellow tea business owners, we believe this practice is unnecessary.

    In our experience, opening a Yixing teapot is a straightforward process. If your teapot arrives with any noticeable smell or dust, our usual practice involves cleaning it with boiling hot water, followed by rinsing it multiple times. To awaken the teapot, we brew a round of inexpensive tea. After repeating this process once or twice, the teapot is ready for official use in brewing our intended tea.

    Occasionally, a light cleaning suffices, achieved by simply rinsing the teapot with boiling hot water a few times. This completes the "opening" process.

  • Brewing Different Teas: The suitability of brewing different types of tea in the same Yixing teapot depends on your preferences. The unique feature of Yixing teapots lies in the porous nature of the clay. As you use the teapot, the oils from your tea moisturize the pot, gradually seasoning it and enhancing the flavor of the tea over time. The teapot naturally absorbs the aroma and fragrance of your tea.

    If you are highly particular about maintaining a specific fragrance in your teapot, it's advisable to stick with one type of tea for seasoning purposes. On the other hand, if you are not overly concerned about a mixed fragrance and enjoy the varied flavors, it is entirely acceptable and common to brew different types of tea in the same Yixing teapot.

  • Seasoning: Seasoning is a crucial aspect of appreciating Zisha (紫砂) clay teapots from Yixing. The porous nature of the clay is highly valued because, as you use the teapot, the natural oils from your tea gently moisturize the pot. This process gradually seasons the clay, enriching the flavor of the tea with each brewing session. The more frequently you use your Yixing teapot, the faster the seasoning effect occurs, resulting in a delightful shine that develops over time.

    However, you might need to be more cautious if your Yixing teapot exhibits an immediate shine after only 1 - 3 uses. This rapid change could indicate potential issues with the authenticity of the clay. Genuine seasoning is a slow and natural process that unfolds gradually with continued use. It's this unhurried journey that enhances the character of the teapot and contributes to the unique tea-drinking experience it offers.

Our Selection Process:

We curate our collection based on the following criteria:

  1. Original Mine Clay: Teapots must use authentic mine clay, ensuring the integrity of the material.

  2. Traditional Handcrafting: Our selection comprises only traditionally handmade Yixing teapots, either half or fully handmade. We refrain from carrying machine-made or unconventional teapots.

  3. Aesthetics and Clay Performance: Teapots are chosen for their aesthetic appeal and outstanding clay performance, as assessed by our experienced team.