Full Hand-made・Hong Pi Long clay (紅皮龍)・210ml

This is the latest commission from Pan Yi, a young artist whose zisha pots we have featured since 2013. We admire her work for its balance of grace and precision. They are an echo of Song’s own sensibilities and aesthetics. This Heng Gu pot is one of several pieces we commissioned in Spring 2019.

This pot was hand-built using a clay called hong pi long, or “red dragon”. The clay is original ore from Huang Long Shan, quarried before a government moratorium closed the mine. It is flecked with light colored granules that give texture to the finished piece. Though technically a variant of zi ni (purple clay), hong pi long appears vermillion red in color after firing, leading many to incorrectly assume that it is either zhu ni (vermillion clay) or hong ni (red clay).

Heng Gu’s silhouette is modern and uncluttered, with a simple bridge on the lid that complements its slightly heart-shaped body. The artist’s signature is carved into the underside of the teapot. Seven outlets arranged in a hexagonal pattern allow for quick drainage.

Usage and care: Thoroughly rinse 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.

Dimensions: 80mm tall, 75mm diameter, 210ml capacity・Pot Name: 恆古壺・Artist: 潘荑