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| Yixing Clay Teapots | |
| Unlike porcelain artware,
Yixing clay pots are fired at somewhat lower heat and demonstrate the
highly desirable character of withstanding sudden extreme temperature
changes. Because they are routinely used in gongfu tea preparation (a
popular method that employs placing a pot in a Yixing clay bowl and quickly
applying boiling water) superior pots are specifically designed for lasting
durability. Care and maintenance is simple, requiring only modest diligence. Following each use, the pot is emptied of leaves, flushed with water and placed in an inverted position to drain until dry. Soaps, cleansers, or other substances should never come into contact with the pot, nor should the pot's interior or exterior surfaces be toweled. Only the tea itself and water free of undesirable contaminants, such as chlorine, should be allowed to unite with the pot. |
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The clay walls of Yixing teapots are considerably porous, a feature that significantly contributes to their proper evolution from a newly-made vessel to a superbly-seasoned masterpiece. Due to the dynamics of porosity, the actual amount of exposed interior clay surface is many times larger than the pot's visual size. Accordingly, the flavor influence remaining form liquids prepared in the pot is unexpectedly effective. Moreover, permeating capillary and absorptive action intensify this influence creating in the fully-seasoned pot an environment that has the potential of radically changing the prepared tea's flavor characteristics. To manage the effects of these changes, many Yixing clay teapot aficionados limit each pot to a single type of tea, and some may have pots that are further limited to tea quality levels within each type. For example a gongfu oolong connoisseur may have a special pot in which is prepared only the very highest quality tea originating from a specific garden or tea producing area. |
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| Although the virtue of
consumer prudence in judging quality is always a valuable consideration,
selection of a Yixing clay teapot is best when it is from the heart. An
emotional response to the pot's character can significantly add to the
enjoyment of its use. To fully appreciate these delightful experiences, newly acquired pots in which tea has never been made need to be purged in a special manner. First, the pot's interior bottom is inspected for any remaining sandy residue that may not have been removed after manufacture. The residue may easily be removed with a clean piece of sponge or the finger while rinsing the pot with warm water. Second, the cleaned pristine pot must be cured prior to using it for preparing tea. |
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The classic curing method requires many extended infusions of the same type of tea that is destined for use in the pot. The curing infusions are not consumed, and usually allowed to remain the pot for considerably longer time than ordinary steeping would require, but usually less than one-half hour. If the pot has been selected for a particularly high quality grade of tea, it is important to avoid curing with a lower grade. The tender surface of a new pot quickly absorbs flavor characteristics, and a low quality tea may permanently affect the pot's performance. |
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| For Yixing clay teapot
aficionados and gongfu tea connoisseurs, the debut of a new fully purged
pot is a grand occasion to be shared with friends and fellow tea enthusiasts. A number of societies and groups throughout the world are devoted to the advancement of this venerable art. While Yixing clay teapots have long been appreciated in the east, their captivating charm is presently enjoying new popularity in the west. The increased interest is stimulating suppliers to offer a wider variety of styles and quality, and informed awareness is crating a demand for the finest expressions of the art once destined for museums. For the collector who values these treasures as display pieces, the selection of fanciful styles and colors is virtually unlimited. For the gongfu connoisseur the choice involves a number of other considerations that reflect a deep understanding of the pot's purpose and maturity. Whether an exhibited work of art or an integral part of a daily tea ritual, a rapidly growing number of individuals from many cultures are being brought together by the enchanting beauty of Yixing clay teapots. |
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Thank you for joining us in exploring the unique artistry of Yixing Clay Teapots. |
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