Dezhong Yixing Zisha Teapot – Dicaoqing Zini Clay, 110ml

This is a 110 ml dezhong teapot in Dicaoqing Zini Clay, partially handmade, made in Dingshu, Yixing. Its Chinese name is 言心.

The clay. The most prized layer of the zini seam, cut from the very bottom of the deposit and recognisable by the green 'chicken-eye' inclusions in the raw ore. It fires purple with a green cast and a dense, jade-like surface. Dense yet still breathable — an unusual combination. Collectors seek it out because the patina stays restrained and deepens slowly rather than turning glossy.

The form. The Dezhong form (德钟) dates to the Qing dynasty, Daoguang era, attributed to Shao Daheng. Created by Shao Daheng and named for its silhouette — an inverted bell. The name puns on the virtue (de) of the gentleman. Upright, evenly proportioned, formal without being stiff. The classic scholar's pot.

How it was made. Formed with the help of a mould for the body, with the spout, handle, lid and finishing worked by hand. A well-made half-handmade pot is a good pot; the difference is in labour, not in whether it brews well.

Size and tea. 110 ml is the classic gongfu size — comfortable for one drinker or two sharing small cups, and the volume most Chaoshan-style brewing was built around. Best suited to aged pu-erh, yancha and black tea.

This pot. Catalogue no. 059, 110 ml, US$85. Photographed individually — the images show the pot you receive.

Made by 王召仁. We buy directly from the workshop rather than through a wholesaler, so the attribution comes with the pot.

New to zisha? Read how to season a Yixing teapot before first use.

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• Handmade Dezhong Yixing Zisha Teapot — Luni Clay, 130 ml, $85

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