In the tea ceremonies of Fujian and Guangdong, there is one teapot that is indispensable. Among the classic shapes of Yixing zisha clay teapots, one style has endured for centuries—the Shuiping (Horizontal) Teapot. Many tea lovers use it daily, yet few know the origin of its name or the secrets behind its timeless appeal. Today, Tongxin She Teahouse is proud to launch our Handmade Wrinkled Zhao Zhuang Zhu Ni Shuiping Teapot, inviting you to discover the story of the Shuiping teapot and meet a truly exceptional collector’s item.
The Shuiping teapot gets its name from its defining feature: the spout, mouth, and handle form a perfect horizontal line. This seemingly simple design holds profound wisdom for gongfu tea and exquisite craftsmanship in teapot making. First created during the height of gongfu tea culture, the horizontal shape was the ideal solution for maximizing tea leaf capacity and water volume in a small pot, balancing brewing efficiency and flavor. The three-point horizontal structure also follows the principles of pottery making, allowing artisans precise control during shaping, ensuring stability, comfort in holding, and ease of pouring—this is the core secret to its enduring popularity over time.
The Shuiping teapot is not a single shape; any teapot with a horizontal alignment of spout, mouth, and handle falls into this category, including classic styles like the pear-shaped teapot. The Standard Shuiping Teapot refers to the well-balanced, round or oval-bodied teapot with a straight spout for smooth, crisp pouring. This "standard" represents its commitment to presenting the pure, unaltered flavor of tea without modifying the taste. Paired with small Zhu Ni (red clay) teapots, it becomes the perfect companion for oolong tea, enhancing aroma and charm, ideally suited for gongfu tea brewing.
During the era of the state-owned Yixing Zisha Factory (Factory No. 1) in the last century, large quantities of Standard Shuiping Teapots were produced and exported to Chinese communities across East and Southeast Asia where gongfu tea thrived. Some were engraved with the phrase “Please Drink Chinese Oolong Tea”, becoming a beloved memory and a timeless symbol of the perfect match between Shuiping teapots and oolong tea. Today, vintage Factory No. 1 Shuiping teapots are highly sought-after collectibles. While classics from that era can never be replicated, honoring their shape and spirit is the truest tribute for modern tea lovers.
At Tongxin She Teahouse, we never compromise on quality. Our new Zhao Zhuang Wrinkled Zhu Ni Shuiping Teapot excels in the five essential qualities: clay, shape, craftsmanship, inscription, and function—making it a prized centerpiece for any teapot collector.
Clay is the soul of a zisha teapot. This Shuiping teapot uses Zhao Zhuang Zhu Ni, regarded alongside Xiao Mei Yao Zhu Ni as the finest collector-grade red clay. Unlike ordinary Zhu Ni, which comes from shallow surface layers in small fragments, Zhao Zhuang Zhu Ni is mined deep beneath yellow stone layers as large, solid raw ore—extremely rare. Its firing shrinkage rate reaches 25%–30%, far exceeding the 10% of regular Zhu Ni, pushing the limits of red clay. This results in distinct vertical wrinkles across the body, embodying the classic zisha saying: “No wrinkles, no true Zhu Ni.” The surface has a strong sandy texture, different from the smoothness of ordinary Zhu Ni, with rich natural oil content. Tiny black dots visible upon close inspection are iron minerals from the original ore, released during high‑temperature firing—a unique mark of authentic Zhu Ni that cannot be copied.
Craftsmanship is the spirit of the teapot. This piece is handmade by Master Xu Linfeng, a renowned Yixing artist specializing in Zhu Ni. With deep understanding of Zhao Zhuang Zhu Ni’s properties, he left the clay unblended and unmodified to preserve its ancient, natural character. At 120 ml, it is a compact teapot perfect for one or two people, fitting comfortably in the palm. Its smooth, warm surface invites constant handling and enjoyment; with regular use, it develops a rich, mature patina over time.
From the classics of Factory No. 1 to modern craftsmanship, from rare Zhu Ni to meticulous handmaking, this wrinkled Zhu Ni Shuiping teapot is both a practical tool for gongfu tea and a beloved collectible—where timeless design meets artistry.
Tongxin She Teahouse new arrival:
With this Wrinkled Zhu Ni Shuiping Teapot, we pay tribute to Factory No. 1 classics and carry forward the heritage of zisha craftsmanship. May it accompany your tea moments, bring out the true flavor of oolong, and hold the elegance of time—let the timeless spirit of Shuiping live on your tea table.