Capacity: Approximately 190ml
This is a very difficult shape to make. The process of building the square shape requires a great deal of time and skill to produce a symmetrical teapot. Although qualifying as half-handmade as it uses a molding tool to help shape the walls (see the video above for a demonstration of how this tool is used), the process requires a great deal of skill and two full days of work to complete.
This teapot was made of original ore lao zini (old purple clay) mined from No. 4 Mine in Huanglongshan Yixing. After being processed from ore to clay, it was aged for 8-9 years. The ore itself was mined years before that, and left for years to weather before being processed. This clay is very versatile and is good for use with most kinds of tea. Click here for more information on zini and tea pairing with Yixing Teapots.
This pot is known as "half handmade" as the sculptor uses a molding tool to shape the body, and uses his hands for the handle, spout, holes, and smoothing out the body. In fact, no machine was used in it's shaping as the use of the tool is entirely manual.
You can read more about half handmade teapots in our blog entry here.
This teapot was made by Lin Hanpeng and Chen Chunhong Studio. The stamp at the bottom of the teapot may vary from that shown in the photos. The teapot stamp may have the mark of Lin Hanpeng, Chen Chunhong or the mark of Mud&Leaves in Chinese Characters: 泥葉堂。 All three stamps are used exclusively in connection with Lin Hanpeng and Chen Chunhong Studio.
Preparation Before Use
Yixing Teapots should be prepared before using the first time. This is called "opening the pot". It removes the dust from firing the teapot.
We recommend rinsing the teapot under warm water two or three times, then filling the teapot with boiling water and emptying it out two to three times. After this the teapot is ready for use.