Zisha Teapots, crafted by master Yang Junbao, feature elegant shapes and rare Ben Shan Luni clay.

2025-10-20 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：1

$471.43Zisha teapots, as treasures among traditional Chinese tea wares, have always been favored by tea enthusiasts. This particular Zisha teapot, priced at 3300 CNY, is

Zisha Teapots: Ben Shan Luni clay | Yang Junbao 1

The Yixing purple clay teapot stands as one of the representative works of Chinese traditional craftsmanship. It serves not only as a daily utensil for brewing tea but also holds significant artistic and collectible value. Each purple clay teapot undergoes intricate handmade processes, embodying the wisdom and skills of artisans. The particular teapot we present today merits special attention, having absorbed the expertise of multiple masters to showcase the essence of traditional craftsmanship.

Zisha Teapots: Ben Shan Luni clay | Yang Junbao 2

This teapot's "Xishi" shape derives from one of ancient China's Four Great Beauties, featuring smooth curves that mimic feminine grace. Its surface displays exquisite patterns hand-painted by Ren Ruihua, a national-level arts and crafts master from Jingdezhen. Ren specializes in blending traditional painting techniques with ceramic decoration, creating designs that preserve classical charm while incorporating modern aesthetics.

Zisha Teapots: Ben Shan Luni clay | Yang Junbao 3

Craftsman Yang Junbao, direct disciple of renowned zisha master Gu Jingzhou, shaped this teapot. Gu, revered as a modern authority in purple clay art, trained disciples who inherited exceptional teapot-making skills. Yang's decades-long apprenticeship enabled him to master traditional forming techniques while developing distinctive detailing.

Zisha Teapots: Ben Shan Luni clay | Yang Junbao 4

The teapot employs exceptionally rare Benshan Lüni clay, known as "dragon tendon" among artisans. This delicate green mineral clay presents poor plasticity, requiring extreme caution during shaping - any mishandling causes cracking. Artisans must precisely control pressure throughout the forming process.

Zisha Teapots: Ben Shan Luni clay | Yang Junbao 5

Firing this clay poses significant challenges, demanding temperature control within 10°C variations to prevent fractures. Natural mineral veins appearing on the surface aren't flaws but unique identifiers of authentic material, enhancing each successful piece's rarity.

Zisha Teapots: Ben Shan Luni clay | Yang Junbao 6

Marked 00cc capacity makes this compact teapot ideal for brewing aromatic teas like Tieguanyin. Its small size accelerates infusion while encouraging leisurely enjoyment. The ergonomic spout ensures drip-free pouring, and the handle provides comfortable grip.

Crafting such teapots involves over thirty manual procedures - from slab preparation to final polishing. Working with Benshan Lüni demands extended shaping periods, sometimes requiring fifteen days per piece with constant risk of restarting.

This teapot's value lies not only in technical difficulty but in synthesizing multiple masters' wisdom. Ren's decoration enhances artistic worth, Yang's craftsmanship ensures functionality, while the rare clay provides unique texture. Their convergence creates exceptional collectibility.

Users should nurture this teapot carefully. Season it with tea broth before initial use to develop patina. Avoid chemical detergents during cleaning, allowing natural glaze formation through prolonged use. The clay's porosity optimally releases tea aromas.

Authentic Benshan Lüni teapots grow increasingly scarce due to mining difficulties and low success rates. Many artisans avoid this challenging material, making such exquisite specimens rare witnesses to living tradition. Beyond utility, it embodies China's handicraft heritage.

Each handmade Yixing teapot remains unique. Minor traces near the lid or spout of this "Xishi" piece testify to manual creation - imperfections that radiate artisanal warmth. When brewing tea with such vessels, one savors not just beverages but the condensed dedication of masters and the passage of time itself.