Phoenix Carved Yixing Teacup
115mL
- Capacity: 115mL
- Origin: Yixing County, Jiangsu Province
- Style/Material: Jing Gan Sha – Unglazed black Yixing clay
$38.00
2 in stock
A relief-carved dark unglazed Yixing clay teacup with a large capacity and sides adorned with a pattern stylized flying phoenix. The legendary phoenix and dragon have often been used as symbols of nobility, power and luck. Historically, the design of the phoenix was reserved for use by the empress, and the dragon was designated for use by the emperor.
This teacup is very dark in color, with a hint of red on the more pronounced parts of the relief carving. It has been sculpted from a mix of Yixing purple sand clay and other clay types. With thick walls and a larger than ordinary capacity, the cup feels comfortable and solid when held in your palm.
The dark color of the main clay is part of a style known as jing gan sha, whose appearance is intended to resemble the dark color of celestial armor from Chinese myth. The color is achieved by adding oxidized manganese metal to the clay as natural pigment.
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 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.
