History of Yi-Xing Teapots:

        China's Jiangsu province is not only renowned for its green tea but also the famous "Zi-sha" clay of Yi-Xing county. Like Mao Feng, the region has been the home of countless artisans since the Ming Dynasty. Here in close proximity have lived painters, calligraphers, and ceramic artists for 500 years. These artisans have worked together with the area's remarkable clay to produce the world's greatest tradition in fine teaware. Stylistically rich, detailed and delicate, and yet extremely useful, Yi-Xing teapots are an essential element of the Chinese art of tea.

Special Characteristics of Yi-Xing Teaware:

        Throughout the world they are treasured by both tea drinkers and collectors as the finest teaware available. The finest pots require a lot of time and effort. The clay itself is found in the area's craggy cliffs. It first needs to be crushed, then sieved, then only the finest clay is selected. The clay then needs to be stored for 3-5 years before it can be used. The end result is a pot that is smooth on the outside, and which over the years will take on a rich patina. On the inside, the numerous tiny pores allow the pot to absorb up to 2% of its weight in water. It is this quality, combined with the pot's high iron content (9.2%) that enables Yi-Xing teapots to make the most flavorful tea.

        Aesthetically speaking, Yi-Xing teapots are an amalgamation of China's most distinguished arts. Aside from the renowned facility with which the Yi-Xing potters work clay, a single pot may display the talents of calligrapher, a seal carver, a painter, and a poet, thus the clay becomes a unique medium through which these diverse arts meet. The artistry of Yi-Xing pottery has a distinguished tradition of influence throughout the world as well. During the Qing Dynasty the master potter Jin Tu-Heng and several of his followers went to Japan to introduce their art, where they had a profound impact on Japanese ceramic art. The earliest European pot also show the influence of Yi-Xing as well. Throughout this century Yi-Xing teapots have won numerous awards at artistic exhibitions, and worldwide are treasured by private collectors and museums.

Preparing Your New Pot:

        To insure that the best results are obtained from a new pot, certain steps must be followed. A new pot will have a residue of fine clay, as well as a taste produced by the final firing that is unsuitable for fine teas. One must follow the Chinese example and 'raise' a pot. Place inside a lidded pot and simmer with 15 gram of tea (place on both the inside and outside of the pot) for 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly and then simmer in clean water for 30 minutes. This will clean out the pores of the pot, enabling it to "breathe" in the flavor of the tea chosen for that particular pot. Over time, the outside of the pot will take on a rich glow as it slowly absorbs the essence of the tea, and its ability to make fine tea will increase as well, thus daily it will increase in value as it enables one to judge the quality of the teas made with it, all the while growing more beautiful to look at.

Proper Use of Yi-Xing Teaware:

Brew Tea in the Traditional Tea Ceremony Style (Gong-Fu Cha):

1. Warm the pot by filling it half-way with hot water.

2. Pour the water from the pot into the tea serving pitcher.

3. Measure out loose tea equal to 2/5 of tea pot's volume into the tea funnel. Put loose tea into the pot using the tea funnel.

4. Pour half a pot of freshly boiled water over the leaves. Immediately pour this water into the serving pitcher.

5. Pour this warm water from the pitcher into the cups to warm them.

6. Fill the tea pot with boiled water and let steep for one minute.

7. While the tea steeps, empty the water from the cups into the large water receptacle.

8. Pour the tea into the tea serving pitcher and serve each cup.

9. Then enjoy the tea--its fragrance, its color, and its flavor. Sip it slowly - the Chinese say that one should "taste" tea, rather than just "drink" tea.

10. After the first round, you may refill the pot with boiled water and re-brew it--up to five times more.
 

Caring for Your Yi-Xing Teapot:

        After each use remove all tea leaves. The pot only needs to be rinsed with warm water (Never use detergent or soap to clean your pot), and wiped with a soft cotton cloth, store in a well ventilated area, away from hard objects. Ideally, one should use a single type of tea with each pot, over time, the flavor from the tea will be slowly absorbed by the pot.

Yi-Xing Zi-Sha Tea pots:

Please contact with Jason Chen at jchen@luyutea.com .

[ Index ] [ Up ] [ Tea Brewer ] [ Yi-Xing Teapot ] [ GT Teaware ] [ Green Tea ] [ Organic Tea ] [ Oolong Tea ] [ Jasmine Tea ] [ White Tea ] [ Pu-Erh Tea ] [ Floral Tea ]

Send mail to webmaster@gourmetteacompany.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2012 Gourmet Tea Company
Last modified:01/05/2012