In the elegant realm of tea culture, the purple sand teapot has always been a cherished companion for those who truly understand tea. The saying goes, "It neither overwhelms the tea's aroma nor leaves a stale taste," emphasizing that only with an excellent teapot can one fully savor the true essence of tea. Nowadays, more and more tea enthusiasts prefer lightweight and compact purple sand teapots. These not only offer ease of use but also allow for precise control of tea dosage, helping avoid unnecessary waste and ensuring every cup of tea is perfectly balanced. At Tongxinshe Teahouse, we proudly present a masterpiece: the 120cc Daishuitan Tianqing Clay Lotus Seed Teapot, handcrafted to perfection.
Lotus seeds are widely recognized as both a common ingredient and a medicinal herb in daily life. In the world of purple sand, however, the "Lotus Seed Teapot" holds its own prestigious place. It is not only a classic teapot shape but also carries profound cultural meanings. An old saying in Yixing goes, "Triangular Shipo, four-legged stove; plump is the Lotus Seed, flat is the Gu drum." Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the origin of the Lotus Seed Teapot's name is debated: some say it resembles a lotus seed in shape, while others believe it evolved from the ancient lotus seed pots used for cooking congee in southern China. The teapot's design, with layered circles growing smaller from bottom to top, symbolizes "hearts connected," embodying warm sentiments and beautiful bonds between people.
The Tianqing Clay Lotus Seed Teapot introduced by Tongxinshe Teahouse is the creation of Master Xu Linfeng. At first glance, its delicate texture and noble appearance exude an air of elegance. Inspired by the classic "Daheng-style" Lotus Seed Teapot, this handcrafted piece features a wide mouth, sloping shoulders, a plump belly, and a curved lid that harmoniously merges with the body. The overall design is symmetrical and full, radiating a dignified and refined charm.
Up close, the teapot's near-circular body is complemented by a thick-rimmed lid with a semi-circular top. Below the flat rim of the壶身 (teapot body) lies a short neck, leading to rounded shoulders and a curved abdomen that rests on a flat base. The spout, round and compact, emerges from the side of the body, tilting upward from its base and flaring out at the same height as the rim, resembling a delicate bird's beak. The handle, originating from the shoulder, curves gracefully to meet the lower abdomen, with a subtle upturned tip at the end, evoking the elegant posture of a beauty resting her hand on her waist—blending ancient simplicity with gentle grace. Crafting a Lotus Seed Teapot demands exceptional skill, particularly in balancing proportions and shaping the handle's "tail." Master Xu excels in this, ensuring seamless transitions between the spout, handle, and body, with a visually harmonious symmetry. The delicate drooping ear at the base of the handle adds an extra touch of fluidity and charm.
The rarity of this teapot further lies in its precious Tianqing clay. Tianqing clay has long been revered as one of the finest purple sand materials, renowned for its scarcity. In the Ming Dynasty, Zhou Gaoqi's Yangxian Minghu Xi recorded, "Tianqing clay originates from Lishu, and when fired, it turns into a dark liver color." The Yixing County Annals from 1882 also states, "Tianqing clay is the most precious among all clays, specially sought after by teapot makers." Named for its resemblance to the ancient "sky-blue" dye, this clay is mined from the historic Daishuitan pit, a renowned purple sand mine. Deep within the Daishuitan矿区 (mining area), at a depth of over ten meters, lies this rare Tianqing clay ore.
Teapots crafted from Tianqing clay boast a humble yet elegant hue, a subtle blend of purple and blue that exudes a cool, refined beauty, reminiscent of an ink-wash painting. Its porous structure ensures excellent air permeability, resulting in smooth, mellow茶汤 (tea soup) with a rich, long-lasting flavor. As you regularly nourish the teapot with tea and polish it by hand, it gradually develops a warm, lustrous patina, creating a unique bond between the pot and its owner over time.
If you wish to bring this elegance and茶香 (tea fragrance) to your tea table, please visit Tongxinshe Teahouse's official website: www.txs-tea.com. Here, the 120cc Daishuitan Tianqing Clay Lotus Seed Teapot is more than just a tool for making tea; it is a work of art embodying thousands of years of purple sand culture and craftsmanship. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice in the world of tea, this teapot from Tongxinshe Teahouse will unlock a unique journey into the beauty of Eastern aesthetics.