Yixing Teapot: Zhu Ni Red Clay, “Ti Liang” Handle Shape

Description Ti Liang (Handle) Teapot This Ti Liang (Handle)-style yixing teapot was made by hand in Yixing in the year 2000, from Zhu Ni (red clay). It has a cubic-round shape, curve handle on the top, invented by teaware from one of the famous poet Su, Dong Po (苏东坡）from Song dynasty. As in the ancient time, tea is boiled over the fire/charcoal to make, Su feels it is more convenient to have a handle on the top. The teapot is ideal for the following tea types: Pu-Erh Rock Tea Oolong Roasted Oolong Black Tea Carved Design The teapot is decorated on one side with a poem in calligraphy: Ji Yuan Shan Shui Hao, Bai Ju Yi (poet). The poem translates as: Gorgeous landscape in Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan (济源) is a city in Henan province, famous for Jishui River in ancient times. On the opposite side is a landscape from Xiao Lang Di dam in Ji Yuan city, showing a glance of end of Yellow river. About Yixing Clay Yixing county has been the home of countless artisans for over 500 years. The artisans worked together with the area’s remarkable clay to produce the world’s greatest tradition in fine teaware. Stylistically rich, detailed, delicate, and extremely useful, Yixing teaware is an essential element in the art of tea. This teapot’s thick walls and the high iron content of the clay (9.2%) provide excellent insulation, protecting your tea from temperature variations. In addition, the porous structure of Yixing clay allows the teapot to breathe, keeping the tea dry. This prevents mold in your teapot. The clay itself is found in Jiangsu’s craggy cliffs, after which it is crushed, sieved, and only the finest clay is selected to produce a smooth texture.  Over years of use, the clay will take on a rich hue. For care and first use instructions for your yixing teapot, please refer to the “Preparing Your New Teapot” tab above.