Explore the science and art of Yixing Zisha Teapots. Learn about clay essence, mesh count, permeability, and mineral composition to master the art of connoisseurship and collecting.
Zhu Ni (朱泥), or red clay, is a fascinating yet controversial clay in the world of Yixing teapots. Many tea lovers and collectors describe it in vivid terms: warm like jade, smooth as silk, and glowing like bright cinnabar. At…
Introduction If you are new to Chinese tea, you may have heard that Yixing teapots are special.However, many explanations focus on tradition or mystique, while few clearly explain what a Yixing teapot actually is and when it truly improves tea.…
In The Essence of Zisha (Part I): An Exploration of Yixing Teapot Permeability, we explored porosity. In Part II: Unmasking the “Da Hong Pao” (Big Red Robe) Clay Myth, we uncovered the truth about “Da Hong Pao”. Today, we look…
Important Disambiguation:Before we dive in, please note that this article discusses “Da Hong Pao Clay” (a controversial Yixing ore). This is entirely different from the famous [Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea] from the Wuyi Mountains. While they share a prestigious name, one is a…
The permeability (or breathability) of an Yixing Zisha teapot is often referred to with mystical reverence, yet its function is rooted firmly in material science, mineral composition, and unique craftsmanship. This article delves into the scientific basis of Zisha’s famed…
