Partial Hand-made・Duanni (fortified clay)

Shipiao teapots date back over 500 years to China’s Ming Dynasty. The form has changed little in the intervening centuries, staying true to its iconic, pyramid shape. Shipiao has long served as the standard for evaluating the craftsmanship and ability of aspiring potters, and as an instrument to evaluate and judge a tea’s quality.

This collaboration with Chinese artist, Huang Ya Ping, is a variation on this traditional Shipiao form. Together, we designed a pot that is slightly elongated, with a clean silhouette and modern aesthetic. The resulting pot is friendly, easy to use, and cute as a button.

These teapots are formed from one of four porous zisha clay bodies. This Duanni Shipiao uses a golden fortified clay sourced from a Dingshan-based zisha production facility that Song has an eight year relationship with. Duanni ages beautifully, and will develop a dark amber patina with use.

Unlike most pottery that is thrown and trimmed on a potters wheel, zisha pots are formed using wooden paddles and small rolling pins. Ya Ping began these pots by pressing the clay into molds to create the initial shape before finishing the handle, spout and lid by hand. Zisha has a long husbandry with tea preparation. Used with just one tea type, each pot is seasoned over time and use, absorbing the oils from the steeping tea and creating a unique terroir.

At approximately 230ml, these teapots are perfectly balanced, with a sweet and gentle grace. The wall thickness is proportional to the size and capacity of the pot, and fourteen outlets paired with a perfectly shaped spout evacuates water quickly and evenly. On the bottom, three little feet elevate the pot’s profile. These too, were of our design, and remind us of the little toe beans on our kittens, Pegasus and Moss.

Usage and care: Thoroughly rinse any particles of sand from the interior before use. Dedicate one tea type per pot. Eventually, a tea pot will be seasoned with the particular character of a tea. Hand-wash only without soap or detergent.