A unique clay teapot decorated with a carved hand, with a capacity of 100 milliliters.
500,00 zł
A contemporary clay teapot from the Yixing region, the most famous teapot producing area in China and home to some of the finest artisans of the Middle Kingdom.
This teapot is truly unique, with the lid’s handle shaped like a real hand, so each time you pour water over the leaves you’re giving it a friendly handshake. One side shows a beautifully carved illustration, while the other remains clean and unadorned.
It holds 100 ml of water, making it just right for brewing tea for three to four people.
The entire piece is, of course, unglazed, since such teapots are valued primarily for their clay. The porous material is meant to absorb the aromas of the tea brewed inside, so that over time it begins to release them back into the infusion, enriching the flavor even more than would normally be possible. For this reason, these teapots are often dedicated to a specific tea type. This also means the teapot is not suitable for washing in a dishwasher. You should avoid contact with dish soap, so that no residue transfers into the taste of the tea later.
It is, in our opinion, crafted perfectly. The infusion pours in a beautiful even stream in seven seconds, and the flow stops instantly, without dripping or splashing. The clay filter consists of nine identical holes that do not let a single leaf particle through.
The clay is porous and very rough, with a natural texture that feels alive under the fingers. It heats up quickly to full temperature and holds warmth for a long time. The sound of the lid rubbing against the walls is relatively high, carrying a stony roughness. The surface is completely matte, without any shine. You can see tiny specks of black and white minerals on it, which indicates the high quality and authenticity of the clay.
The teapot has the classic, versatile shipiao form, but without the traditional three feet. The lid has a slightly elongated base, which makes it sit very securely, with absolutely no wobble. The bottom, the lid and the interior all bear the refined seal of the artist. The inner seal is meant to testify to the traditional method of making such a teapot — a proper piece should be formed from a slab, and this technique allows the maker to place a perfectly even seal inside, something that is not possible when throwing on a wheel.
The clay, in our assessment, is noble and of high quality. It should round out the flavor of the infusion, adding a gentle mineral note, and it is visibly porous.
