RONGTIAN ZHUJIE TEAPOT 150ML - NIXING CERAMIC - HANDMADE TEAPOT - ARTISAN HU DONGLI

1. Specifications

• Product name: Rongtian Zhujie Teapot

• Clay: Raw-ore Nixing pottery clay (Qinzhou, Guangxi)

• Shape: Rongtian combined with Zhujie (a full, rounded body modelled on the elegant bamboo node of the scholar-gentleman)

• Making: Handmade

• Artisan: Hu Dongli

• Capacity: 150ml (the standard size for 2 – 3 people taking tea)

• Filter system: 14-hole honeycomb filter

• Seals: Crisp hand seals of the artisan on the base, the lid and the handle

2. Meaning of the shape & standout features

• Meaning of the Rongtian Zhujie shape:

  • The round body is inspired by the "Rongtian" form (a large belly holding heaven and earth, a symbol of a generous spirit, of gathered good fortune and well-being).

  • The spout, the handle and the lid knob are shaped after "bamboo nodes" (Zhujie), standing for the upright, resilient and noble character of the scholar-gentleman and for ceaseless advancement.

• Qinzhou Nixing clay: A one-of-a-kind blend of loam from the western hills and mineral mud from the eastern bank of the Qin River, fired at high temperature for a hard, ringing, silky unglazed body that keeps the true aroma of the tea and takes on a jade-like gloss quickly as it is seasoned.

• Hand finishing: Every bamboo node and ridge is carved to life by artisan Hu Dongli; the lid seats tightly, and the pot is comfortable to hold and well balanced.

• 14-hole filter: Evenly round, open honeycomb holes give a fast, strong pour that cuts off cleanly without dripping.

3. Which teas it suits & how to use it

• Teas it brews best:

  • The 150ml capacity and the swelling round body give the leaves the fullest room to unfurl and open up their whole flavour.

  • Very well suited to: pu'er tea (sheng pu'er, shu pu'er), oolong tea (milk oolong, high-mountain oolong, Tieguanyin), red tea, rock tea and ancient-tree Shan Tuyet tea.

• Breaking in the pot: Wash it with warm water, simmer it gently together with the tea you mean to brew for 15 – 20 minutes, then let it cool naturally.

• Seasoning the pot: After use, simply rinse it clean with boiling water inside and out, wipe it dry with a soft cloth, leave no standing water, and never use detergent.