Unlike normal clay, which is soft and moist in consistency, zi sha is more like a hard rock and, after various manipulations, becomes suitable for the production of mannequins. This is why it cannot be used on the potter's wheel: only manual production or finishing (assembly and gluing of parts together) and casting. The clay is found in layers: the uppermost ones are soft, from which everyday and economical dishes, including teapots, are produced. The deeper the clay, the more petrified it is and the higher the quality of the dishes produced from it, and consequently, the price. There are various proportions for mixing these clays together, different additives (metal oxides, sand, calcined fragments, mica, and pyrite). The technology uses different firing temperatures and the atmosphere in the kiln: all of this creates a wide range of colors (from yellow to black) and textures, making the finished teapots so different. They can have a smooth and grainy surface, up to simulating citrus peels, with tubercles and dents: it all depends on the master and his idea. Why Zi Sha Yixing clay? Yixing clay contains kaolin, which allows teapots to be fired at very high temperatures, along with iron, silicon, and small silicate particles, which give finished teapots brightness and porosity. Thanks to these characteristics, the teapots allow oxygen to pass inside and let the tea “breathe.” Due to the high firing temperature, teapots, despite their apparent fragility, are very durable. The porous structure allows the teapot to heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time, preventing temperature differences during tea consumption that negatively affect the taste. The kettle handle never gets hot. Due to the porous structure, essential oils are absorbed by the walls of the teapot and, over time, this teapot enhances the taste of the tea, making it softer and deeper, adding its unique “taste” from the accumulated essential oils.
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Unlike normal clay, which is soft and moist in consistency, zi sha is more like a hard rock and, after various manipulations, becomes suitable for the production of mannequins. This is why it cannot be used on the potter's wheel: only manual production or finishing (assembly and gluing of parts together) and casting. The clay is found in layers: the uppermost ones are soft, from which everyday and economical dishes, including teapots, are produced. The deeper the clay, the more petrified it is and the higher the quality of the dishes produced from it, and consequently, the price. There are various proportions for mixing these clays together, different additives (metal oxides, sand, calcined fragments, mica, and pyrite). The technology uses different firing temperatures and the atmosphere in the kiln: all of this creates a wide range of colors (from yellow to black) and textures, making the finished teapots so different. They can have a smooth and grainy surface, up to simulating citrus peels, with tubercles and dents: it all depends on the master and his idea. Why Zi Sha Yixing clay? Yixing clay contains kaolin, which allows teapots to be fired at very high temperatures, along with iron, silicon, and small silicate particles, which give finished teapots brightness and porosity. Thanks to these characteristics, the teapots allow oxygen to pass inside and let the tea “breathe.” Due to the high firing temperature, teapots, despite their apparent fragility, are very durable. The porous structure allows the teapot to heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time, preventing temperature differences during tea consumption that negatively affect the taste. The kettle handle never gets hot. Due to the porous structure, essential oils are absorbed by the walls of the teapot and, over time, this teapot enhances the taste of the tea, making it softer and deeper, adding its unique “taste” from the accumulated essential oils.
