Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Shui Ping" | 水平 - 200ml

• Teapot Style: "Shui Ping" (Water Level) | 水平
• Material: Zini (Purple Clay) | 紫泥
• Craftsmanship: Handmade | 手工
• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China | 中国江苏宜兴
• Capacity: 200 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name: "Shui Ping"

The "Shui Ping" or "Water Level" pot is a true tea-drinker's classic. It is named for its careful balance: tradition says a well-made Shui Ping floats level in water when placed in a tea bowl, because the weight of the spout, handle and body is perfectly matched. Popular since the Ming and Qing dynasties, especially among Gongfu tea brewers in southern China, it is prized as a practical, honest teapot built for daily use.

Design & Craftsmanship

The body is a smooth, slightly flattened sphere, topped with a flat lid and a small round knob. A straight, tapering spout and a round loop handle are carefully balanced, true to the Shui Ping tradition. One side is incised with bamboo leaves, accompanied by the maker's inscription and seal.

The Clay: Zini

Crafted from premium Zini (Purple Clay)—the most classic and revered of all authentic Yixing clays—this teapot features a rich, earthy purplish-brown hue. Renowned for its excellent breathability and unique dual-porosity structure, Zini is exceptionally versatile, gently rounding out astringency and elevating the complex flavors of roasted oolongs, pu-erh, and black teas. With regular use, the naturally textured surface will gradually absorb the tea's essential oils, developing a deep, mellow, and beautifully warm patina over time.

Learn more about Zini and other Yixing clays in our guide to Zisha clay types.