Shi Piao Yixing Teapot | Authentic Duan Ni Clay (140cc)

A true classic among Zisha teaware, the “Shi Piao” shape is celebrated for its powerful, stable silhouette that evokes the spirit of a scholar. This pot is crafted from authentic Duan Ni clay from the Huanglong Mountain mines in Yixing. Known for its loose, sandy texture, this clay offers unparalleled breathability. The 140cc capacity is perfectly balanced for one to three drinkers, adept at concentrating the tea’s aroma and enriching its flavor. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to Zisha, this teapot offers endless joy in both use and appreciation.

Why It’s Special

• Timeless Form, Scholar’s Spirit: The Shi Piao is one of the most iconic Zisha shapes, renowned for its triangular stability, straight lines, and powerful presence. Its design embodies the Eastern aesthetic of “harmony in strength and grace,” making it a longtime favorite of artists and scholars.

• Authentic Duan Ni Clay & The Joy of Nurturing: Duan Ni, also known as “old rock clay,” is a symbiont ore of Zi Ni (purple clay) and Lu Ni (green clay). Its coarse, granular structure and double-pore composition give it far greater breathability than other clays. It changes dramatically with use, developing a warm, jade-like patina over time that becomes increasingly elegant.

• Enhances the Tea’s Character: A Duan Ni teapot is known to tame the astringency in tea, creating a smoother, rounder mouthfeel. It is exceptionally well-suited for brewing roasted Oolongs (like Wuyi Rock Tea), aged raw Pu-erh, and ripe Pu-erh, as it effectively smooths out rough notes and purifies the aroma.

• Golden Capacity, Perfect Control: The 140cc volume is ideal for modern Gongfu tea sessions at home or in the office. It’s perfectly sized for a focused solo session or for sharing with a friend, ensuring no precious tea is wasted.

Design & Craftsmanship Details

• Body: Forms a stable, inverted triangle that is wide at the base and narrow at the top, with lines that are fluid yet full of tension.

• Lid Knob: The classic “bridge knob” (Qiao Liang Niu) is strong, arched, and easy to hold, echoing the pot’s powerful form.

• Feet: The three sharp “nail feet” (San Zu Ding) provide a stable base while giving the entire piece a sense of lightness and spirit.

• Surface: The clay has a distinct sandy texture that is unique to the touch. With seasoning, this surface will transform from coarse to smooth and lustrous.

Teapot Pairing & Usage Guide

Recommended Teas: Duan Ni clay is the perfect match for Wuyi Rock Oolong, aged raw Pu-erh, ripe Pu-erh, heavily roasted Oolongs, and white tea. Its excellent breathability and ability to mellow roasted notes will bring out the very best in these teas.

How to Season the Teapot (Kai Hu):

1. Clean: Gently rinse the teapot inside and out with warm water and a soft cloth to remove any dust.

2. Boil: Place the teapot and lid separately in a clean pot of purified water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Slowly bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes to remove any residual kiln or clay odors.

3. Steep: After the pot cools, fill it with the type of tea leaves you intend to use it for. Pour in boiling water and let it steep for a few hours to allow the pot to “memorize” its dedicated flavor.

4. Dry: Discard the tea and leaves, rinse with hot water, and let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated space.

Care & Maintenance

• One Pot, One Tea Type: To preserve the purity of the flavor profile, dedicate your Duan Ni pot to brewing only one category of tea.

• Clean Promptly: Immediately after use, remove the tea leaves and rinse the pot thoroughly with hot water.

• Keep Dry: After cleaning, leave the lid off to allow the pot to air dry completely. Do not expose to direct sunlight or store in a sealed container.

• Avoid Oils: Always handle your teapot with clean hands to prevent oils from clogging the clay’s pores.

Origin & Clay

• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China

• Mine Source: Huanglong Mountain

• Clay: Authentic Duan Ni (段泥). Duan Ni is a naturally occurring symbiont ore of purple and green clays. It has a lower iron content and fires to a color ranging from beige to yellowish-brown. Its most prized characteristic is its coarse, sandy texture and highly porous structure, earning it the name “the clay that breathes.” It is a favorite among experienced tea connoisseurs.

Product Highlights

• Brand: Miss Gu

• Name: Shi Piao

• Craft: Fully Handmade

• Clay: Authentic Duan Ni

• Capacity: Approx. 140cc

• Type: Yixing Zisha Teapot

FAQ

• Q: Does Duan Ni clay stain easily?

  • A: Due to its light color and porous nature, Duan Ni does absorb tea coloration more readily than darker Zisha clays. However, this is part of the charm of nurturing the pot. With prompt cleaning after each use, you will develop a beautiful and even patina over time, rather than unsightly stains.

• Q: How is the pour from this teapot?

  • A: The Shi Piao shape, with its straight spout and inverted triangle body, is famous for its exceptionally powerful and clean pour. It produces a strong, steady stream and cuts off cleanly, providing an excellent brewing experience.