This Yun Si Fang teapot (蕴四方) is an example of Yixing craftsmanship. The name can be translated as "Harmony of All Sides" or "Embracing the Four Directions". The word 蕴 (Yun) implies "to embrace," and 四方 (Si Fang) refers to the "Four Directions" (North, South, East, and West) or "all sides." The name and the shape reflect the philosophy of balance, harmony, and completeness in all aspects.
The teapot's shape combines the softness of rounded forms with the grounded feel of square elements, creating a design that feels fluid and stable at the same time. The lid's button and the teapot's spout follow the natural flow of the form.
Engraved plum blossoms adorn the surface of the teapot. In Chinese culture, plum blossom signifies resilience, perseverance, and purity. Its depiction adds poetic depth to the teapot.
Yun Si Fang teapot is handmade from high-quality DuanNi clay from Huang Long Shan (Yellow Dragon Mountain, aka Ben Shan) – the original mining spot that gained Yixing clay its reputation. The mineral content of the clay enriches the flavor and aroma of tea, making the brew more flavorful and fragrant. DuanNi clay doesn't mute high notes and has a better sand structure to filter out impurities in water. The source of the highest-quality Yixing clay, Huanglong Shan, was sealed for mining decades ago, since 2005, making the clay scarcer by the year and adding value to such teapots.
The teapot is wood-fired, adding to its unique characteristics. During the firing process, wood ash naturally settles on the surface, creating unique textures and colors for each teapot. The effect of a wood-fired kiln adds to the teapot's organic feel and enhances its air permeability and water-softening qualities.
Crafted by Ren Yixin, a renowned potter known for his thoughtful blend of classic forms and innovative designs, this Yun Si Fang teapot is a good example of his craftsmanship. It combines practical function with artistic beauty, making it a good addition to a yixing teapot collection.
For the best pouring experience, tilt the teapot gradually. There's no need to press down on the lid. Thanks to its "90º lock" design, the lid stays securely in place on its own. The handle is shaped for a comfortable grip, making it easy to pour with ease.
• Capacity: 100ml
• Speed of pour: 11 ml/sec (since each teapot is individually crafted, the pouring speed may vary)
• Filter: 10 holes
• Material: Huang Long Shan DuanNi (Yixing Clay, ZiSha) – 黄龙山段泥
• Shape: Yun Si Fang – 蕴四方
NOTE: This teapot is handmade, making each piece unique and one of a kind. Thus, the teapot you will receive may slightly differ from the one in the photos.
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.