Plum Blossom Stone Scoop Da Hong Pao Yixing Teapot
210mL
- Capacity: 210mL
- Origin: Yixing County, Jiangsu Province
- Style: Shipiao (“stone ladle” 石瓢)
- Material: Da Hong Pao (大红袍) – Unglazed red Yixing clay
$350.00
1 in stock
This breathtaking piece of functional art makes a statement in deep red Da Hong Pao yixing clay with a detailed pattern of blossoming plum branches delicately carved into the sides and flat lid. The shallowness of the carving keeps it from interrupting the intense shine of the unglazed, very fine-grained clay. Its sloping sides gently curve down to a wide base in the classic stone ladle shape raised on three small rounded feet.
Plum blossoms, as the very first trees to flower in the early spring when winter still grips the land, are a classic symbol of tenacity and hope in classic Chinese art. Together with the quick pour and easy handling, the classical style of this yixing teapot makes for a truly refined and elegant brewing experience.
About Da Hong Pao Yixing Clay
This teapot is crafted from a specific subtype of Yixing clay known as Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) clay. Yixing clay comes from Yixing County in Jiangsu Province. This type of clay is prized for its high levels of iron. Many variants of Yixing clay with different characters are sourced from different-colored layers in the soil. Da Hong Pao clay stands out from other varieties for the depth of color it acquires after firing, a rich red bordering on purple. This clay is named for that striking dark red color, which matches the deep red infusion of the famous dark-roasted rock wulong tea also known as Da Hong Pao.
Da Hong Pao clay has naturally higher levels of iron than any other type of Yixing clay. Due to the very high iron content, it can shrink an incredible 30% during firing. This shrinkage makes Yixing clay very difficult to work with and requires great sculpting skill. It is also very prone to cracking or breaking in the kiln, which is fired at the high temperature of 1080°C. Once fired, Da Hong Pao clay has a very high crystallinity and makes a high, clear sound like a ringing bell when tapped. Da Hong Pao clay is also valued for the way it easily acquires an antique-looking patina when seasoned with tea.
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.
