Yixing Dragon Auspicious Cloud Xishi Teapot

Yixing purple clay teapots are unglazed vessels made from the unique local clay known as “zisha” or “purple clay.” They possess the following characteristics:

1. Special material: The raw materials for purple clay teapots mainly include three types of clay: purple clay, green clay, and red clay, collectively known as zisha clay. This clay has a high iron content and excellent breathability.

2. Safety: Zisha clay teapots are made solely from natural clay without any added materials. They are handcrafted and fired at high temperatures between 1100 to 1200°C, making them non-toxic and safe.

3. Excellent breathability: Purple clay teapots have dual air holes, which provide them with good breathability. The fine and densely distributed pores of the teapot exhibit strong adsorption properties, allowing it to enhance the aroma of tea over time.

4. Unique appearance: Purple clay teapots feature distinctive characteristics in terms of their shape, decorations, and colors. The designs have an antique charm with smooth lines, showcasing a rustic aesthetic. Additionally, the art of decoration on purple clay teapots is diverse, incorporating techniques such as carving, calligraphy, and poetry, which are fully expressed on the teapots.

This teapot is decorated with the motif of dragons and auspicious clouds. Dragons are mythical creatures known for their long bodies, large eyes, long whiskers, four claws, and scales. Initially used as symbols, they gradually evolved into decorative patterns and were regarded as symbols of power.