A Simple Guide to Zisha Teapots
What is a Zisha Teapot?
A Zisha teapot is a special kind of pottery. It is made from smooth clay that has lots of iron. It has no glaze. This teapot was made after normal pottery. Old books say it was first made in the Ming Dynasty.
Zisha teapots are very precious. People say they are "as expensive as gold". But the high price is not for the clay. It is for the culture and skill. It is hard to choose a good teapot. You need a good eye to see the difference.
How Much Do They Cost?
The price can be very different. Here is a table of what changes the price:
| What Changes the Price? | How It Changes？ |
|---|---|
| The Maker | Masters' teapots cost more |
| The Place | Same teapot has different prices in different places |
| The Clay | Clay price changes every year |
Why Are Some So Expensive?
Many teapots look the same. But small differences matter a lot. For example, a lid that is 1mm too high changes everything.
The price is decided by five things:
-
Clay (Ni)
-
Shape (Xing)
-
Work (Gong)
-
Mark (Kuan)
-
Use (Gong)
Good zisha teapots are expensive because:
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Good clay
-
Fine work
-
Prize-winning shapes
-
Made by masters
How Are They Made?
Making a teapot is hard work. It takes many steps. Each step is important. One mistake can ruin all the work.
The clay shrinks when fired. The lid and body shrink differently. It is hard to make them fit perfectly.
There are two small rules:
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The lid should not be too big
-
The lid must be a little bigger than the opening
About Firing
The clay must be fired at high heat (1000°C-1250°C). If the temperature is wrong, the teapot will be ruined.
| Firing Problem | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Under-fired | Looks gray, sounds dull, weak |
| Over-fired | Changes shape, gets bubbles |
tips: zisha teapots= yixing teapots =yixing purple clay teapots
