Full hand-built・Zhuni (vermillion clay)

Sharp right angles paired against the soft, symmetrical curves of belly and spout, give this teapot a Memphis-like appeal, with all the spirited playfulness of Ettore Sottsass’ colorful creations. Don’t let that playfulness misguide you though, for while joyous in form, this pot, by Yixing artist Pan Yi, has all the maturity and execution of a master potter’s hand. Made from slabs and coils of semi-porous zhuni clay, the artist works each 2D component in the round with wooden paddles and miniature rolling pins, to exacting proportions. The results can be felt in the tang and balance of the pot, exquisitely honed by the artist at every stage.

The artist sources her clay body from her own family's small zisha processing plant in Yixing, China, the epicenter of the celebrated, eponymous Yixing Pottery. The makeup of zisha clay, remains permeable after firing, and with each steeping, the pot will begin to absorb trace amounts of the tea’s oils and character. This quality has given rise to a long tradition of dedicating one pot to just one tea type, for as the clay seasons over time, each pot takes on a unique terroir of its own.

This pot features a built-in strainer for easy, dripless pouring.

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.