Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Ziye Shipiao" (Ziye Stone Scoop) | 子冶石瓢 - 220ml

• Teapot Style: "Ziye Shipiao" (Ziye Stone Scoop) | 子冶石瓢
• Material: Original Ore Tianqing Ni | 原矿天青泥
• Craftsmanship: Fully Handmade | 全手工
• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China | 中国江苏宜兴
• Capacity: 220 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name & Cultural Meaning

The "Ziye Shipiao" is a classic literati teapot named after its designer, Qu Ziye, a renowned scholar from the Qing Dynasty. The term "Shipiao" (Stone Scoop) originates from the profound Chinese philosophical idiom, "Out of three thousand miles of weak water, I take but one scoop to drink." It symbolizes single-minded devotion, contentment, and a firm, resolute character, making it a masterpiece of literati aesthetics.

Design & Craftsmanship

This teapot serves as a masterful example of geometric and minimalist beauty. The body features a distinctive pyramidal shape with straight, clean, and powerful lines. It is constructed with a straight tubular spout, a bridge-shaped lid knob, and a sturdy triangular handle, all resting perfectly balanced on three subtle nail-like feet.

Tianqing Ni (Azure Clay) is the absolute pinnacle of Zisha, revered as the "King of Zi Ni." Nearly depleted since the late Qing Dynasty(early 20 century), authentic Huanglong Mountain ore is a highly coveted collector’s treasure. Named for its raw grayish-blue state—resembling a sky clearing after rain—it fires into a profound, dark liver-red. When showered with hot water, the clay awakens with a jade-like luster and a subtle, inner cyan glow.

Unlike the granular feel of regular Zi Ni, Tianqing Ni is incredibly fine and smooth. Its silk-like texture beautifully absorbs tea oils, quickly developing a stunning patina (Bao Jiang). Functionally, its dual-porosity structure excels at "softening" water far beyond ordinary clay. It breathes with the tea, naturally absorbing harshness to elevate the brew into a profoundly rich, velvety mouthfeel.

Recommended For

Tianqing Ni is perfectly suited for rich, aged, or heavily oxidized teas. We highly recommend pairing Tianqing Ni teapots with: Dark Oolong, Pu'er teas (both Raw and Ripe), Aged White Teas, and Heavily Roasted Oolongs (such as Wuyi Rock Tea).