Yixing potters
Yixing clay pot from Jiangsu Province
Just an hour’s drive from Jiangsu province lies the famous area for the special purple clay, characteristic of Yixing or Zisha teapots. This clay is used to create the most sought-after teapots in China.
The traditional Gongfu teapots are hand-shaped and not thrown, unlike most teapots. It is a special type of porous clay that allows the pot to slowly dissipate heat, making it suitable for brewing tea. Yixing pots are used for fine and exquisite quality teas. The best results are achieved by using the pot for a specific type of tea, such as Oolong or Puerh tea, as the pot will over time help enhance the flavor.
Due to the unique structure of the clay, Yixing teapots are very durable and rarely crack. They are easy to maintain and can last for many years with proper care. Additionally, a Yixing pot has the advantage of improving with use. An older, well-maintained Yixing teapot often increases in value and becomes a collector’s item for tea enthusiasts.
When you want to use your newly acquired Yixing teapot, you should rinse it in cold water (do not use dish soap or similar) and then place it in a large bowl, cover it with lime-free water, and let it sit overnight. Always use bottled water to avoid lime in the water. We recommend water from the Denice spring, which can be purchased in most supermarkets.
The next day, take the Yixing teapot out of the water, rinse it under the tap, and transfer it to a pot. Then pour in the tea and the leaves you wish to use. Use a good amount of tea. Let the pot with the tea and the teapot sit overnight. The next day, pour out the tea and set the teapot out to air dry. Now your teapot is ready for use and will only get better the more you use it, as the tea leaves deposit flavor in the pot, which in turn enhances the flavor of the tea.
This procedure also applies to Yixing gaiwans. Enjoy your newly acquired Yixing teapot or Yixing gaiwan!