1. Purple Clay

Yixing pottery is made from Zisha, literally purple clay, despite the fact that it is not always purple in color, fired or unfired. The purple clay is a kind of rare mineral resource from compressed sedimentary lake deposits, found throughout the Yixing region.

There are actually three main varieties of purple clay. The most common is the Zini or purple clay. The other two more rare clays are known as Zhuni(red clay), and Banshanlv (buff yellow/greenish) clays. Chemically, all are composed primarily of quartz, kaolin and mica and contain high amounts of iron oxide, which lends the clays their purple-red color.

The high content of metallic oxides in the clay resulted in wares ranging from purple to red and buff yellow (greenish), the variation in color being caused by differences in kiln temperature and atmosphere.

2. Superb Craftsmanship

Each purple clay ware is a handmade work of art and it may take years for artisans to develop and mature their skills and techniques. Traditionally, the making of Yixing pottery involves more than a hundred hand-made tools and goes through many processes including clay slicing, clay-body flapping, inlaying, clay-body joining, sculpturing, polishing, carving and decorating.

The purple clay is highly fired yet totally unglazed to retain its natural porous qualities, which helps the pots absorb the flavor and aroma of the tea.

The designs and shapes of clay wares can be classified into three main types: Natural, geometric or artistic. Another way of classification is simply to define them as plain teapots or decorated teapots. In addition, calligraphy, painting, intricate carvings and sculptures are also incorporated into the teapot, making this art form a unique expression of Chinese art.

3. Unique Quality in Brewing Tea

Teapots made from Yixing purple clay are extolled by aficionados as superior to all other types of teapots for brewing tea. This is attributed to the unglazed nature of the teapot after firing which retains its porous nature, which is excellent at absorbing the flavor and aroma of tea. After prolonged use, a patina will gradually develop on the interior of the teapot, enhancing the taste, color and aroma of the tea. It is said that if apurple clay teapothas been used for a long time, one can simply pour hot water into the teapot to brew a cup of tea.

Externally, the unglazed surface absorbs oils from the tea so the appearance of the teapot will become more and more lustrous with age and use.

Even at its simplest, the Yixing teapot is a thoroughly appealing vessel, blending seamlessly the function of brewing with exceptional design.

The purple clay is a rare mineral resource. Because of years of exploitation, the pure red and buff yellow clay materials are now short in supply and some of them are even almost gone.