Shipiao Yixing Zisha Teapot – Xiekeqing Clay, 180ml

This is a 180 ml shipiao teapot in Xiekeqing Clay, wood-fired with hand carving, made in Dingshu, Yixing. Its Chinese name is 永乐石瓢.

The clay. Named for its colour — the blue-grey of a crab shell. A cool, muted body with a fine sandy grain, most often seen wood-fired, where the ash brings the grey to life. Sits between duanni's openness and zini's steadiness, and stays visually calm on a crowded tea table.

The form. The Shipiao form (石瓢) dates to the Qing dynasty, Jiaqing–Daoguang era, attributed to Chen Mansheng and Yang Pengnian. Originally called shidiao, one of the eighteen Mansheng forms. The name carries a line from Su Dongpo and a Buddhist idea — of three thousand rivers, one drinks a single gourd. Triangular in profile, flat-bodied, standing on three small feet. Plain to the point of severity, and completely stable on the table. The form most often described as great skill appearing clumsy.

How it was made. Wood-fired, with carving cut by hand before the firing — so the ash settles into the incised lines.

Size and tea. At 180 ml this fills three or four cups at once — enough for guests without moving to a full teapot. Best suited to raw pu-erh, light oolong and green tea.

This pot. Catalogue no. 197, 180 ml, US$80. Photographed individually — the images show the pot you receive.

Made by 刘群. 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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