Longevity Peach Qing Shui Ni Yixing Teapot
250mL
- Capacity: 250mL
- Origin: Yixing County, Jiangsu Province
- Style/Material: Qing shui ni (清水泥) – Unglazed red Yixing clay
$260.00
1 in stock
This teapot is a sculpted work of art with its spout and handles carved into the shape of gnarled old peach tree branches and realistic raised peach leaves and fruit on the lid and body of the pot. Made from fine red qing shui ni Yixing clay with a faint grainy yet smooth texture.
This rendition of the symbolic longevity peach is an achievement of technical sculpting skill. The realistic branches, leaves, and fruit integrate seamlessly with the simple round form of the pot. From the knots in the branches, to the bends of the leaves, to the small three-dimensional branch that raises from the body next to the spout, to the peach-shaped lid handle, this functional and beautiful sculpture is a study in attention to detail.
Peaches are a traditional symbol of longevity. In Chinese legend, the queen of heaven planted peach trees in her garden which granted immortality to those who ate the fruit. For this reason, peach-shaped steamed buns are often served at traditional Chinese birthday parties.
This teapot is made entirely from a type of Yixing clay known as qing shui ni or “clearwater clay.” The distinctive specific color of qing shui ni clay is a cooler shade of red than other red Yixing types like zhu ni and hong ni, and is a little closer in tone to purple zi ni clay.
About Yixing Clay
Yixing clay from Yixing County is prized for its high levels of iron, which holds heat and is said to improve flavor.
Unglazed Yixing 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 rock wulong or sheng puer.
To clean, just rinse your pot off with boiling water. Avoid washing with soap.
