Hand-Painted Cherry Branch Yunnan Black Jianshui Teapot
230mL
- Capacity: 230mL
- Origin: Jianshui County, Yunnan Province, China
- Style/Material: Unglazed Yunnan Jianshui clay, clay paint
$250.00
1 in stock
A dignified work of art made from smooth black Yunnan Jianshui clay, sculpted into a classic teapot shape. Textured branches laden with red cherry blossoms trail across the lid as well as from a handle and spout carved to resemble a tree bough. The smooth surfaces of this teapot’s dense clay have a soft matte finish like black velvet.
The flowers of the cherry branches adorning this teapot have been painted by hand with natural clay paint whose color will not wear away. They stand out from the black background in contrast. The pure colors are interrupted only by faint blushes of the clay’s natural purple-red on the handle and spout and on the raised bark texture of the cherry branches.
As individual handcrafted artworks, each teapot is unique. Only one of this particular design is available.
About Yunnan Jianshui Clay
Yunnan Jianshui pottery is one of the four famous types of natural clay pottery recognized in China for their distinct appearance, unique origins, and rich cultural history. The others are Guangxi Nixing pottery, Chongqing Rongchang pottery, and of course, Jiangsu Yixing pottery. Production of Jianshui ceramics began in the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). They come from Jianshui County in Yunnan Province.
Like the other famous potteries, Jianshui pottery is made from a variety of locally sourced clay that is mined, aged, and then blended in specific ratios to attain particular colors and characteristics. Five main kinds of raw Jianshui clay are recognized, including purple, white, cyan, yellow, and “five-flower.” The pure black color of some Jianshui wares is developed with a special kiln technique while firing a purple-red clay blend.
Once Jianshui clay has been blended and sculpted, teapots and other wares are decorated with carved patterns, or with colorful designs that are also made from natural clay. Contrasting colored clay inlay is popular, as is three-dimensional clay paint.
As Jianshui clay has a higher density, thicker walls, and is less permeable than Yixing, it can hold higher temperatures for longer, making it ideal for brewing puer tea. A unique style of tea also originating in Yunnan, puer tea is often compressed, and the higher temperatures better facilitate the rehydration and opening of the leaves when brewing.
About Unglazed Clay
Unglazed clay absorbs aromas and flavors easily, and the tea you make in it seasons it over time. To keep within a similar flavor profile, most people dedicate a specific teapot for brewing just one type of tea, like Dan Cong wulong or sheng puer. To clean, just rinse your pot off with boiling water. Avoid washing with soap.
