Authentic Yixing teapots are made in Yixing Dingshu Town using Zisha (purple sand) mined from Yellow Dragon Mountain. Zisha is an overarching name for at least three types of clay: Zhuni (red yellow clay), Zini (purple clay) and Luni (green clay). The clay mined is in rock form and requires special preparation before it can be used. Yixing clay is becoming scarce.
The price range of genuine Yixing teapots varies from a hundred to a few thousand dollars. The collectible teapots are usually designed and hand-crafted by master ceramicists who underwent training for years. Most of the economical Yixings on the market are 'wannabes'. There is nothing wrong using these Yixing look-alike teapots as long as they don't contain harmful lead.
A good Yixing Zisha teapots should have the following characteristics:
- The lid fits the inner rib of the body perfectly.
- The height of the lid stem is 1.5 cm.
- The lid, the knob on the lid and the handle form one straight line.
- Water flows out of the sprout effortlessly.
Due to its porous structure and mineral composition, a Yixing teapot retains heat and enhances the aroma of oxidized teas, including Oolong and Pu'er. A Yixing pot also retains the flavor and color of a tea; therefore, it is best to brew one type of tea in one specific pot.
Yixing lid stem 1.5cm
