This Yixing teapot is shaped in the classical Xi Shi style. Legend has it that Xi Shi (西施) was the first of the Four Beauties of ancient China, renowned for her beauty and grace. Born at the end of the "Spring and Autumn Period" in the capital of the ancient State of Yue, she was given to the King of Wu as part of an espionage operation and helped to bring the state of Wu down in 473 BC.
The teapot's round body is a homage to her full, gentle face, while the spout resembles her graceful mouth. The handle, shaped like an elegant hair bun, completes this stunning tribute.
Crafted from ZiNi – the most famous Yixing clay from the delta of the Yangtze River, this teapot has a dense, slightly porous body. The clay’s mix of kaolinite, quartz, mica, and iron-bearing minerals gives it a natural sandy texture that can gently soften harsh notes and support a clear, focused tea taste.
Preparing this clay is not easy, but skilled artisans have perfected the craft over centuries. The clay is mined from the hills around Yixing in the Lake Tai (Taihu) basin, then crushed and sieved to achieve a clean, even body before the potter shapes and fires it. Once the clay is cleaned and shaped into the desired form, it is fired at high temperatures to harden and strengthen it for use.
One of the most important characteristics of any teapot is its pouring speed, which determines how much control you have over the brew. Too slow, and your tea can easily become over-brewed. This teapot's pouring speed is measured at 14 ml/sec, allowing for great control. Its precise pouring and filtering capabilities allow for a smooth, effortless transfer of tea from pot to cup.
Another of the teapot's qualities is its airtightness. Fill up the teapot with water. Close the nose of the teapot and turn the teapot upside down; you will see that no water will leak. This feature ensures the teapot can be used to its full potential, allowing for the perfect infusion of tea leaves and water.
When properly cared for, this Yixing teapot will give you many years of service and will slowly develop a soft sheen and inner patina from regular use. As the pot seasons, many drinkers feel the texture of the tea becomes a little smoother and more integrated, though the main character always comes from the fresh leaves you brew.
Capacity: 4.7fl oz / 140ml
Speed of pour: 14 ml/sec
Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.3in / 7 x 11cm
Material: Zi Ni (紫泥) – Yixing Purple Clay (ZiSha)
Shape: Xi Shi (西施)
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.
I deal with pottery and i know clay. This is just a very good quality tea pot. Well made, and i brew some good teas. I don’t think i will pay attention to a tea in particular way but i will remain into light oolong at low oxidation level in terms to have more rounded the taste. Not perfectly balanced, i noted this but every penny is well spent here!
Absolutely Awesome Teapot!! I'm so happy with the quality, look and feel! This Yixing pot has a great lid, perfect fit, no rattle and passes the upside down test when filled ! Very satisfied with its brewing capabilities! This little Yixing holds high temperatures and is able to brew some really nice Hóngchá and Hēichá ! Thank you Misha and TEAm for the wonderful experiences this Vessel will bring me !! -Your Tea Friend !
I fell in love with the sight of this little beauty ...
Ordered "her" and am most delighted with the delicacy and the thoughtful construction of it and of course the tea that is brewed inside is a delight to pour out.
Perfect size for grandma tea cup...
Love the Yixing...
I bought this pot specifically to use with raw Pu-erhs. I've used it a couple of times and am very happy with it. It is well constructed. The lid fits perfectly. The pour is just right... not too fast. not too slow... and very smooth. It is semi-handmade and that's fine by me. At the moment I have 5 Yixing pots and 4 Kyusus but have avoided getting hung up in the big bucks collectors markets for pots. This pot does what it is supposed to do. Does it well. And at a fair price. Can't ask for anything more. Five stars from me.
I have had my pot for a couple of months and wanted to update my review to say I am very pleased that I purchased this pot. At first, I was a little disappointed in the lid fit, but after using this pot for a couple of months I must say it is great. I love the taste of my teas in this pot and I love how the pot looks and feels when I use it. I must add that the lid has not been a problem at all.
Awwww. Thank you Casey! This is the best review ever! We are happy that you and your teapot befriended each other, and happy that you are enjoying tea that it brews:)
Cheers to many years ahead together!