zi sha hu

zi sha hu

Zi Sha Hu is a type of earthenware teapot from China. It first appeared in the Song Dynasty and became very popular during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With a history of hundreds of years, it is a traditional Chinese teapot that originated in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Since Yixing was once called "Yangxian," the teapot is also known as the "Yangxian Clay Teapot."

Famous Song Dynasty poets like Ouyang Xiu and Mei Yaochen mentioned Zi Sha teaware in their poems, proving its long history.

What is Zi Sha Clay?

Zi Sha is a special natural mineral found only in China. It contains iron, clay, and siltstone, and is mined deep in the mountains.

These are also called "Rich Clay" (Fu Gui Tu).

Why is Zi Sha Hu Special?

• Made from refined clay, it does not affect the tea’s aroma.

• It keeps tea fresh and flavorful.

• Unlike glazed pottery, Zi Sha keeps its natural color after firing, giving it a soft, elegant look.

• Its matte surface reduces light reflection, highlighting its natural beauty.

Because of these qualities, Zi Sha Hu has been the preferred teapot in China for over 1,000 years. It is a perfect mix of art and practicality, loved by scholars and tea lovers.

How to Care for a Zi Sha Hu?

Method 1: First-Time Use (One-Time Treatment)

clean with water (Authentic high-quality Yixing teapots only need to be cleaned with water before use)

Method 2: Long-Term Care

• Brew tea in the pot regularly.

• Clean it every few weeks.

• Repeat this three times.

Over time, the teapot will absorb tea oils, making it smoother and shinier. The tea residue (tea stain) inside is actually good—it contains healthy minerals and even natural antibiotics!

The more you use it, the better it gets:

• The color becomes richer.

• It develops a natural tea fragrance.

• With daily polishing, it gains a soft, glowing shine.

Why is Zi Sha Hu Valuable?

• Rare material—high-quality Zi Sha clay is hard to find.

• Unique craftsmanship—each teapot is one-of-a-kind.

• Great for investment—its value increases over time.

Zi Sha Hu is known as the "best teapot in the world" because of its perfect design, comfortable feel, and natural beauty. It represents Chinese culture and craftsmanship, making it a treasured art piece worldwide.