Among the classic teapot shapes, the Xi Shi form has always been a symbol of soft, alluring, full-bodied beauty. When that graceful elegance meets the distinctive flame-transformed clay of Nixing ceramic from Qinzhou and is carved with a refined lotus motif by Artisan Hu Dongli, the 220ml Xi Shi Lotus Teapot becomes an exquisite piece of tea ware imbued with the spirit of Zen tea and high art.
Rounded, aristocratic lines: Inspired by the legendary beauty of Xi Shi, the great beauty of antiquity, the shape has a full, rounded body, soft and exquisitely balanced.
Outstanding ergonomic design: The lid is cut from the same block and sits perfectly flush, following the dome of the pot to form one continuous curve. The small, delicate knob sits like a pearl, the slim reverse-curved handle pairs with a short, neat spout so that lifting the pot and pouring the tea become effortless, graceful and precise.
Three-dimensional carving: The entire motif of the pristine lotus blossom and its soft leaves on the body of the pot was carved entirely by hand, meticulously, by Artisan Hu Dongli. Every crisp incised and raised stroke, set off by fine linework, gives the piece a vivid 3D depth.
Auspicious feng shui meaning: In Zen tea culture the lotus is the absolute symbol of purity – it rises from the mud yet carries none of its scent – bringing energy of peace, ease and good fortune. Watching the lotus bloom against the quiet, dark ceramic leaves the tea drinker's mind more relaxed and settled than ever.
Dense, fine, breathable clay: Made by hand from the perfect union of red clay from the east bank and white clay from the west bank of the Qin River (Guangxi) – one of the four most famous ceramic traditions of China. After high-temperature firing the body is as hard as metal and rings clear when tapped, yet its microstructure retains excellent breathability, which softens the water and preserves the full flavour and aroma of the tea.
Natural flame-transformed beauty: The pot is entirely unglazed. Its earthy blackish-brown and purple-charcoal tones with a smoky sheen are the natural result of shifting heat currents in the kiln (flame transformation). The longer it is used and wiped with tea liquor, the more it develops a glossy patina, smooth as jade.
Smooth, unobstructed flow: Inside the pot, where the spout meets the body, a 14-hole filter is drilled with great care and precision.
Perfectly clear tea: The 14-hole filter design lets the tea pour out fast and strong, forming a beautiful round stream and cutting off cleanly at the spout. The filter effectively keeps broken leaf from escaping (even with large-opening leaf teas such as oolong and pu-erh), giving you the clearest, purest cup.
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