This is an attractively-shaped, low-profile Qinzhou Nixing teapot with a skillfully-carved pine tree bark pattern. The pattern is well carved, with the design continuing seamlessly over the pot’s ridged belly. Each ‘piece’ is spaced just right so that there is an aesthetically-pleasing transition from carved to polished surface where the pattern ends at the handle, spout and rim. Both the outline and the center of each bark scale is carved out, adding depth and dimension to the design.
The clay, which is a warm light brown with red undertones, is a nice weight. It is on par with or slightly heavier than comparably sized Yixing but much lighter than Jianshui.
Both its carving and the subtle details such as the mirroring of the ridged shape of the pot on the lids knob, make this pot a visual treat.
This teapot comes wrapped in a protective silk-fabric pouch with a drawstring closure, and packaged in a presentation box. The pouch is perfect for storing the pot between uses to ward off scratches and dust. We only have two, so act quickly!
Qinzhou Nixing pottery is produced in Qinzhou city in China’s Guangxi province. It, along with Yixing Zisha, Jianshui and Rongchand make up China’s four famous types of pottery. Nixing is made from a mixture of mineral rich clays collected from the east and west banks of the Qinjiang river in Qinzhou. It is a smooth and dense clay, with good elasticity, which allows potters to shape the clay into a variety of shapes. These properties also make it a great clay to carve with detailed designs. Nixing pieces are formed on a potter’s wheel and kiln fired. Finished Nixing pieces can vary in color from bronze to reddish brown and even purple. All color differences are the result of the clay composition, kiln effects and finish polishing/burnishing.
Qinzhou Nixing teapots are well-suited for steeping Pu-erh and other hei cha, black tea, and oolong teas. Since they do not retain heat as long as Yixing pots, they can also be used to steep a few of the more robust green teas as well. A Nixing teapot that is intended for use with green tea or a light oolong should probably not be used for other types of tea, as the retention of flavor from those teas will overpower the green tea’s fresh, light flavor.
Like Yixing teapots, Nixing clay teapots are porous and we recommend that they be cared for in a similar manner. Follow the steps 1-6 only, found in How to ‘Raise’ an Yixing Teapot, for instructions.
Please Note:
This is a handmade item – slight variations in the painting, colors, tooling, patterning and kiln effects of Chinese and Japanese tea wares are to be expected. We have carefully photographed this item as best as possible – please be aware that different device screens can render colors and subtle tones slightly differently.
Want to know more?
How to ‘Raise’ an Yixing Teapot
How We Determine the Size & Capacity of our Teawares