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 an 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 the most famous Yixing clay from the delta of the Yangtze River, Zi Ni teapot boasts unparalleled porosity. The clay's mixture of kaolin, quartz, and mica, coupled with high iron oxide content, creates a unique, slightly sandy texture that enhances the taste of any tea brewed within.
Preparing this clay is not easy, but skilled artisans have perfected the craft over centuries. The clay is sourced from the mountains along the Yangtze River and then purified, crushed, and sifted to remove any impurities. 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. Press the tiny hole on the lid, or close the nose of the teapot, turn the teapot upside down, and 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 provide years of service and only improve with age. The porous nature of the ZiSha, Zi Ni clay ensures that the tea's flavors will deepen and mature over time, creating a unique and unforgettable experience with each cup.
In conclusion, Xi Shi style Yixing teapot combines beauty and functionality in a way that only the ancient Chinese traditions of Gong Fu Cha can achieve. This yixing will elevate your tea-drinking experience to a whole new level and welcome you to the world of Chinese tea.
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.
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!
This is my first Yixing pot. I spent a lot of time researching pots and ordered this one because the price is affordable and I trust Path of Cha to sell authentic pieces. It is quite cute and has a level handle, spout, and top. The lid does not fit as I expected. It rattles a bit and when I place my finger over the hole, the tea slows but does not come close to stopping. I am sure the lid would fall off if I flipped it over. As I said I am not an expert, but it isn't quite what I was expecting. On the upside, the tea I ordered is delicious.
Hi Casey.
Thank you for the review. Glad that you like the teas:)
And sorry for not meeting your expectations with the teapot. This Yixing Teapot is half-handmade, meaning a mold is used to produce this piece. Hence the affordable price for an authentic yixing teapot.
I hope that despite a little lid-rattle, it still pours well, and the tea coming from it tastes good:)
And let me assure you that if you fill it with water, cover the hole and flip the teapot upside-down, the lid will hold. If I am wrong and the teapot won't pass the test, you can send it back to us, and we will either reimburse you or exchange it for a tested teapot – your choice.
Happy Holidays!