Chinese Yixing clay cups - Zi Ni Brown Clay - Set of 4 cups - 80ml

Yixing Zisha Cups: The Traditional Chinese Art for Perfect Brewing

Distinctive Features of our Yixing cups:

- Authentic Yixing Clay: First choice material for optimal flavor preservation.

- Handcrafted by Master Artisan Mr. Xun: We have the honor of working with Mr. Xun, a virtuoso of the art of Yixing ceramics. Under his tutelage, he and his apprentices meticulously shape each cup by hand, ensuring a quality and authenticity that clearly stands out. This artisanal approach, combined with our commitment to fair pricing, guarantees the acquisition of a remarkable work, demonstrating exceptional value for money.

- Traditional Xi Shi Design: Iconic, elegant and timeless shape that embodies the art of the tea ceremony.

- Hand-Woven Ceramic Filter: Integrated for pure, residue-free infusion, revealing the complexity of the aromas of your tea.

- Zisha Clay: Selected for its beauty and functionality, it enriches the experience of each tasting.

- Perfectly suited for: Savoring teas with complex notes such as roasted Oolongs, Shou Pu Erh, and black teas. Our cups are specially designed to magnify the richness and intensity of these infusions.

Mr Xun's Workshop:

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Yixing, Mr Xun's Workshop is a bastion of traditional craftsmanship where the time-honored art of teapot creation is not only preserved but also passed on to the next generation. Led by master artisan Mr Xun himself, the workshop stands out for its commitment to ancestral manufacturing methods, ensuring that each teapot is a masterpiece of functionality and beauty. Mr Xun goes beyond mere creation; he is dedicated to teaching his art, training passionate apprentices with the hope that they will become masters in their turn. This commitment to excellence and education ensures that each teapot from the workshop is of exceptional quality, offering excellent value for money. Before leaving the workshop, all our teapots undergo rigorous inspection by Mr Xun, thus ensuring they meet the highest standards of craftsmanship. Mr Xun's Workshop is more than just a place of manufacture; it is a stronghold of tea culture, where tradition meets passion to create works of art that enrich the experience of each tea tasting.

Zisha Hu - Yixing Purple Clay Teapots:

Originating from Yixing, in the Jiangsu province on the east coast of China, Zisha Hu, or "purple clay teapots," are gems of Chinese craftsmanship, famed for their exceptional raw material: Yixing's iron-rich purple clay. These teapots, with capacities ranging from 100 to 800 ml, come in a variety of shapes and colors, offering a unique and personalized aesthetic for every tea lover.

Their compact size, ideal for Gongfu brewing method, reflects a design thought for travelers. Yixing artisans shape these unique pieces using traditional wood and bamboo tools, before subjecting them to oxidation firing at temperatures of 1100 to 1200°C. The specialty of these teapots lies in their unglazed finish, allowing the porous clay surface to gradually absorb the aromas and essential oils of the tea, thus enriching the flavor of subsequent infusions. This characteristic makes Zisha Hu teapots the preferred choice for exclusive tea tasting, optimizing the gustatory experience over uses.

Thanks to their excellent heat retention, Zisha Hu teapots are particularly suited for brewing teas that require high temperatures, such as Pu Erh, Oolong, and black teas. Their thoughtful design and ability to enhance the characteristics of the tea make Zisha Hu teapots a must-have for any tea enthusiast looking for an authentic and refined infusion experience.

Zi Ni Clay - Red/Brown:

Zi Ni clay stands out as the most renowned and favored type of clay in the art of making Zisha teapots, a true icon of craftsmanship. Its richness in iron, combined with superior grade porosity and a unique structure, gives Zi Ni teapots the unique ability to orchestrate a complex infusion in perfect balance. Ideal for teas with a strong character, whether oxidized or fermented, such as Pu Erh, black teas or roasted oolongs, Zi Ni clay excels at moderating bitterness while enhancing the richness and fullness of aromas. This clay creates a space where the boldest nuances of teas unfold harmoniously, revealing a bouquet of deep and nuanced flavors, and thus offering a taste experience of unparalleled intensity and complexity.

Usage Guide:

1 - Preheating: Start by pouring boiling water into your teapot to preheat it, then transfer this water into your reserve pot to maintain a constant temperature.

2 - Preparing the Leaves: Add tea leaves to the teapot, filling one-third to half of its volume, depending on the size of the leaves. Lightly moisten them with a bit of water to rinse, then discard this water into the reserve pot before emptying it.

3 - Infusion: Fill the teapot with simmering water until it slightly overflows, thus eliminating any foam.

4 - Brewing Time: Cover and let the tea brew for about ten seconds for the first infusion.

5 - Serving: Pour the brew into the reserve pot, then distribute it into the smelling cups. Immediately transfer it into the tasting cups.

6 - Appreciation: Take a deep breath of the aroma from the smelling cup before enjoying the tea from the tasting cup.

7 - Reinfusion: Repeat the process for subsequent infusions, increasing the brewing time by ten seconds each time, to explore the depth of flavors.

Note that this method is particularly suitable for Oolong and black teas, which fully reveal themselves through this process. For green teas, prefer the use of a porcelain gaiwan, to preserve their delicacy.

This refined technique ensures meticulous preparation and an ideal tasting, revealing the subtle nuances of each type of tea.

Maintenance Tips:

To preserve the quality and extend the lifespan of your teapot, it is essential to follow a few simple steps after each use. Start by removing the used tea leaves. Then, gently rinse the interior with filtered or spring water, preferably non-limestone, to avoid the accumulation of mineral deposits that could impair the unique ability of the clay to absorb and enhance the tea's aromas.

It is strongly recommended not to use detergents or dishwashing products for cleaning your teapot. These chemicals can seep into the clay's pores, thus altering the subtle flavors of your future infusions.

After rinsing, make sure to thoroughly dry the teapot, ideally leaving it open and in the air, to prevent any mold formation due to residual moisture. Good ventilation is crucial to maintain the integrity and purity of your Yixing clay teapot. By following these maintenance tips, you will ensure an optimal tea tasting experience for years to come.

Choosing our Yixing teapots means opting for much more than a simple brewing vessel; it means embracing a millennia-old tradition that turns every tasting into a ceremony. Our teapots are carved from the finest Yixing purple clay, known for its unique properties of aroma absorption and enhancement over time. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by master artisans, ensuring not only unmatched aesthetic beauty but also exceptional quality and durability. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, our teapots offer a personalized experience, where the teapot itself becomes a companion in your tea tasting journey, improving with use and reflecting your personal preferences. Moreover, by choosing our teapots, you support an ancient art and the artisans striving to preserve these traditional methods. For tea enthusiasts eager to broaden their horizon and dive deep into tea culture, our Yixing teapots are not just a purchase, but an investment in a rich and authentic experience.