If rounded teapot shapes such as Xishi convey a gentle, softly graceful beauty, the Đường Vũ shape (Đường Vũ Trúc Tiết) is a symbol of strength, solidity and upright character. Made entirely by hand in the celebrated Nixing clay of Qinzhou by Master Hu Dongli, this teapot is not only an outstanding piece of working tea ware but also a supreme feng shui art object for the tea table.
Teapot shape: Đường Vũ Trúc Tiết (a wide rim, a solid angular body, combined with a distinctive bamboo-node motif).
Clay: Nixing ceramic from Qinzhou (Nixing pottery) – one of China's ancient "Four Great Potteries".
Artisan: Master Hu Dongli (handmade, with a clearly impressed seal).
Capacity: 230ml (the golden proportion, ideal for a tea session of 3 to 5 people).
Filter: flat 14-hole filter (free-flowing, with a strong pour and a clean cut-off).
The Đường Vũ shape draws its inspiration from the dress and architecture of the Tang dynasty – the golden age of tea culture. The body widens towards the base, giving an impression of stature and dignity.
The most precious touch in this piece lies in the "Trúc Tiết" (bamboo node) details that Master Hu Dongli has skilfully worked into the handle, the lid knob and the spout. Bamboo is the emblem of the noble person – steadfast in the storm, its hollow centre standing for a serene, unattached mind. The meeting of the squared lines of Đường Vũ with the supple resilience of Trúc Tiết creates a harmonious whole, carrying a wish that the owner stand firm and rise steadily.
Made from clay found only along the Tao River (Guangxi), Nixing ceramic has an exceptionally rich natural mineral content. Firing at temperatures above $1000^\circ\text{C}$ gives it a distinctive double-pore structure:
It lifts the flavour of the tea: the heat retention and aroma-holding of Nixing clay bring teas such as ripe and raw pu-erh, oolong and black tea to a perfect fullness of both aroma and taste.
A one-of-a-kind "colour shift": Nixing ceramic is unglazed. After a period of care from its owner (seasoning the pot), the surface takes on a jade-like sheen and the colour deepens into a warm, mellow tone of great beauty.
The 230ml capacity is the standard size, making it easy to control water temperature and steeping time.
The 14-hole filter is drilled by hand with great care, so the water runs out fast, strong and in a round stream, and never clogs with tea leaf.
All products are in stock and on display in our shops.
