The Zisha teapot stands as the soul of the Chinese tea table, an Eastern work of art passed down through hundreds of years.
Since the Ming Dynasty, craftsmanship of Zisha pottery has been inherited and refined generation after generation. Within a tiny clay teapot lies the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture, embodying artisans’ dedication and ingenuity. Whether for daily leisure or elegant tea gatherings, millennia of cultural essence converge in this vessel, growing softer and more timeless as years go by.
Among the full spectrum of classic Zisha shapes, the Archaic Teapot remains an undisputed benchmark. Originally created by Shao Daheng, a renowned Zisha master of the Qing Dynasty, this form features balanced proportions and fluid lines. Dignified, minimalist and grand, free of ornate embellishments, it interprets oriental elegance through simplicity, beloved by tea enthusiasts and collectors for centuries.
When speaking of the Archaic Teapot, we cannot overlook grandmaster Gu Jingzhou. Dedicating his life to perfecting Zisha craft, Gu studied ancient works and made innovative refinements to Shao Daheng’s Archaic Teapot. He developed the iconic Jingzhou Archaic shape, characterised by crisper lines, restrained charm and perfectly balanced proportions, setting the standard for all later Archaic teapots. One of his Archaic works once fetched 34.5 million RMB at auction, testament to its extraordinary artistic and collectible value.
Today, Tongxin She Teahouse proudly presents our exclusive custom Jingzhou Archaic Teapot. Skillfully handcrafted by my dear friend, distinguished craftsman Wang Yajun, this piece inherits the charm of Gu Jingzhou’s timeless design, reviving the enduring spirit of classic Zisha. It balances practical functionality and collectible merit, presenting authentic handcrafted pottery for tea lovers.
A remarkable teapot begins with premium clay. Dicaoqing is a celebrated, widely recognised Zisha clay, and it was also Grandmaster Gu Jingzhou’s favourite material. Authentic Dicaoqing originates from the core mining area of Huanglong Mountain in Yixing. Zini ore is divided into three layers from top to bottom: Toucaoqing, Ercaoqing and Dicaoqing. Dicaoqing from No.4 Mine of Huanglong Mountain is extracted from the deepest stratum. Formed over thousands of years of geological evolution, it represents the purest and highest-quality grade of Zini clay.
Its deep underground formation grants Dicaoqing unique properties: fine, pure texture, stable structure and restrained, sophisticated colour. Raw ore bears distinctive turquoise-green speckles known as “chicken eyes”, with a purplish cyan base and refined, authentic texture. After traditional high-temperature firing, the teapot takes on a warm reddish liver tone with rich texture and subtle, understated lustre.
The renown of Dicaoqing stems not only from its scarce source and fine texture, but also its outstanding performance in tea brewing. Boasting moderate permeability and great versatility, it suits nearly all categories of tea. Tea brewed in a Dicaoqing teapot delivers profound, long-lasting aroma and layered flavour, unlocking tea’s natural character. Furthermore, this clay ages beautifully with regular use. With careful brewing over time, the surface deepens into a muted antique liver colour, developing translucent, elegant patina. It grows softer and more attractive the longer it is cherished.
Our custom Jingzhou Archaic Teapot holds 150cc, the ideal capacity for solo tea sessions or small gatherings. Faithfully following the classic Jingzhou Archaic specification, the pot has a rounded, stable body with precisely fitted lid. Water flows smoothly from the spout and cuts off cleanly. The small lid knob and gracefully curved handle feature harmonious lines with unnecessary decorations removed, presenting a dignified and understated silhouette. It carries the primitive charm of antique pottery while suiting modern tea rituals. It appeals to novice tea drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs alike, combining practicality, visual appeal and collection value.
Craftsman Wang Yajun has devoted years to Zisha pottery, adhering to traditional hand-forming techniques with solid skill and refined aesthetic taste. Every segment and curve of this teapot is shaped and polished manually. Free from the rigid uniformity of mass-produced wares, it retains the unique warmth of handwork. No blended clays or chemical treatments are used; purely authentic raw ore and pure handcraftsmanship make each pot a one-of-a-kind treasure.
After years of searching for fine pottery, I firmly believe premium tea deserves fine vessels. This exclusive custom project by Tongxin She prioritises quality over large-scale production. We aim to offer tea lovers and pottery admirers access to a classic Jingzhou Archaic teapot: genuine raw ore, handmade by a skilled artisan, authentic in form, wonderful to brew with and delightful to cultivate.
Centuries of Zisha art condensed into one vessel. This authentic Dicaoqing Jingzhou Archaic Teapot holds the quiet beauty of time and the original aspiration of craftsmen. Perfect for peaceful daily tea moments, it will appreciate with years of collection — a timeless vessel worthy of long-term companionship and careful nurturing.