A small teapot for the Gong Fu Cha, coming from Yixing (Yixing Zishahu), 180ml

This classical form is named after Xishi, the first of the four famous Chinese beauties, who lived in the 5th century BCE. She seduced a prince who then neglected his government business.

Daoba means inverted handle and refers to the downward hanging shape of the handle.

Artist: Shen Guobo

The clay used: Yuankuang Jinhuang Zhuni, vermilion

A Yixing clay that occurs only in very small quantities. It differs from all other types of clay in that it is extracted less as ore and more as mud and is more soluble in water. This requires special methods in the preparation of the clay. When fired, the composition results in a dense clay with high shrinkage. Of course, this also affects the tea prepared in a zhuni. It behaves more like porcelain, which means less attenuation of flavours and low heat capacity. We find this clay particularly suitable for high-quality younger Pu Er, delicate, complex Oolong and elegant black teas.