Masterpiece Jinsong Yixing Teapot: National Artist Xu Shijuan's Duan Clay Craft

2025-05-09 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：17

$642.86Xu Shijuan's hand-built Yixing teapot features premium Duan clay, 4500cc capacity, and timeless Jinsong artistry for discerning collectors.

Zisha Teapots: Masterpiece by National Senior Artist Shi Juan XU 【Jin Song】

As a treasure in traditional Chinese tea ware, zisha teapots are beloved by tea enthusiasts for their unique material and exquisite craftsmanship. This particular zisha teapot, priced at 4500 CNY, is a masterpiece that embodies the dedication of national senior artist Shi Juan XU. Named 【Jin Song】, this teapot is meticulously crafted from original mine duan clay using entirely manual techniques, with every detail showcasing the creator's ingenuity.

Zisha Teapots: Jingsong | Duan clay 1

Shi Juan XU, as a national senior artist, not only preserves the essence of traditional zisha teapots but also infuses them with modern artistic elements. Her selection of clay materials is extremely rigorous. The original mine duan clay used here is finely textured and has a warm luster, offering high plasticity. This clay type not only has excellent air permeability but also effectively absorbs tea fragrance, resulting in a richer and more mellow tea broth. Under her skilled hands, this 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot is not just a practical tea utensil but also a collectible artwork.

Zisha Teapots: Jingsong | Duan clay 2

Material and Craftsmanship of Zisha Teapots

Zisha teapots are highly esteemed largely due to their unique material—zisha clay. Primarily sourced from Yixing, Jiangsu Province, zisha clay is renowned as the "king of clays" because of its distinctive mineral composition and physical properties. Zisha clay comes in various types such as purple clay, green clay, and red clay. The 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot uses original mine duan clay, which is hard in texture and does not deform easily after shaping. After firing, the pot body acquires a natural grayish-brown hue, exuding an antique elegance.

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Apart from superior clay quality, the craftsmanship of zisha teapots is equally crucial. This 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot is entirely handmade, with each step from selecting the clay to shaping and firing personally overseen by Shi Juan XU. Handmade zisha teapots are not only uniquely shaped and gracefully lined but also imbued with the emotions and wisdom of the craftsman. Each process demands great patience and concentration, especially in the connections between the spout, handle, and lid, where any carelessness can affect the overall aesthetics. Therefore, such a fully handmade zisha teapot is not only a practical tea utensil but also a work of art that encapsulates countless efforts.

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Cultural Significance and Collectibility of Zisha Teapots

Beyond being a mere tea utensil, zisha teapots carry profound cultural significance. Since the Ming Dynasty, zisha teapots have been cherished by literati and scholars. Throughout history, numerous poets and painters have inscribed verses and painted on zisha teapots, enriching their cultural connotations. The 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot, themed around "Jin Song," symbolizes indomitable spirit, conveying deep meanings. The carved patterns on the pot vividly bring people into a world filled with poetic imagery.

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For collectors, the value of zisha teapots lies not only in their material and craftsmanship but also in their historical heritage and artistic value. Over time, zisha teapots develop a unique patina, becoming smoother and more lustrous. Works by masters like Shi Juan XU are particularly rare and precious. Due to the limited number of pieces each master produces, these zisha teapots are often in high demand on the market, driving prices up. This 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot priced at 4500 CNY is undoubtedly a rare investment opportunity.

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Usage and Maintenance of Zisha Teapots

Proper use and maintenance of a fine zisha teapot is also an art form. Before first use, it is essential to perform an opening ceremony to remove impurities and odors from the pot while allowing it to absorb tea fragrance. The process involves rinsing the pot with clean water, boiling it in a pot, and then letting it dry. During regular use, it is recommended to promptly clean any residual tea leaves inside the pot and keep it dry to avoid prolonged soaking in water.

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Over time, a beautiful patina will gradually form on the zisha teapot, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and the taste of the tea. To better maintain the teapot, it is advisable to regularly wipe it with a soft cloth and avoid using chemical-based cleaners. Additionally, different types of zisha teapots are suitable for different teas. For instance, this 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot, due to its clay characteristics, is particularly well-suited for brewing Oolong tea or Pu'er tea, which can better highlight the aroma and flavor of the tea.

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In summary, this 【Jin Song】 zisha teapot priced at 4500 CNY is not only a representative work by Master Shi Juan XU but also an outstanding embodiment of zisha teapot culture. Whether used daily or collected as an artwork, it possesses immense value. We hope that every lover of zisha teapots can appreciate the charm of traditional culture through this teapot.

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