Fire Walnut Teapot, No. 2

Unglazed・Stoneware・Wood-fired・Walnut

This tea pot from Taiwanese ceramicist Zhang Yun Cheng was crafted from dark, iron-rich stoneware. The artist began with the handle, and builds each pot around it. The result is perfect balance and weight distribution of the final piece.

It was then fired in a wood-kiln for five days. What entered the wood-kiln as an unglazed piece emerged with a beautiful luster of warm copper and golds. Iron oxide spots fleck the surface. The top of the pot has a small dusting of vitrified fly ash from the wood kiln. The teapot received over a week of pre-seasoning with tea, giving it a unique iridescence.

Seventeen outlets on the interior ball filter for fast tea drainage. Artist signature inscribed on the base.

Usage and care: Unglazed wood-fired pieces will season very slowly over time, though limited porosity allows for use of different tea types. Exterior of the teapot will deepen in color and develop a rich luster as it patinas. Hand-wash only without soap or detergent.

Approximate dimensions: 95mm tall, 95mm diameter, 275ml・Artist: 張允澄