duanni

Bian Yun teapot

This exclusive teapot design was commissioned by us directly from the artist. We visited Master Ren Yi-Xin in his Yixing studio, showed him the profile we wanted, and selected the clay together, specifically requesting a small volume with a proper spout for quick brewing.

At first glance, the shape of this teapot, called Bian Yun, looks as if our iconic Original Teapot was pressed together with the flat of the hand before firing, but closer inspection quickly reveals its special features. Despite its small size, the handle is strong, allowing even large hands to handle it with elegance, and the large knob on the lid ensures easy handling. Speaking of the lid: The larger-than-usual opening provides a wide berth for large leaves or chunks broken off a bing.

The Duanni clay used to make this pot has the color of light saddle leather with clearly visible and palpable mineral inclusions; both the feel and the look will immediately appeal to even the most discerning connoisseur.

All in all, an exceptional piece for special teas, especially because of the substantial wall thickness, which promises maximum temperature retention. Clearly the choice of experts.

 

About the artist

Ren Yi-Xin, a young potter from Dingshan, Yixing, grew up immersed in the rich Zisha culture of his hometown and cultivated a deep passion for this traditional art form. He honed his craft under the guidance of the esteemed Yixing Pottery Master Xu Meiping, dedicating himself to the creation and design of Zisha teapots.

Through years of meticulous practice, Ren Yi-Xin has mastered the art of combining technical precision with artistic expression. His works are characterized by their adherence to traditional forms, refined lines, and a seamless balance of practicality and beauty.

 

The clay

The yellowish Duanni (缎泥) ore is the lightest of the typical Yixing ores, ranging from green to gray, yellow to orange, depending on the exact composition and firing. It can smooth out astringency, although some like to use it with lighter teas - white, yellow and even green.


Why do I need a Yixing teapot?

The material and shape of Yixing teapots are ideal for brewing tea. They bring out the flavor of the tea like no other tea vessel. Handmade Yixing teapots are also valuable handicrafts that are sought after by collectors. Their value increases with time, use and the popularity of the artist.

Yixing teapots are made from a rare and exhaustible clay that is mined in the mountains near Yixing, a city in Jiangsu Province. The high density yet porous nature of the clay absorbs the odor of the tea brewed in it. For this reason, it is recommended to use the pot with only one type of tea (such as black or green). Take your tea to the next level; treat yourself to an authentic Yixing teapot.

  • ARTIST:  Ren Yi-Xin
  • MATERIAL:  Duanni, 缎泥 (lit. 'satin mud')
  • SHAPE:  Bian Yun, 扁韵 (flat rhyme)
  • CAPACITY:  80 ml
  • LENGTH:  11.5 cm
  • WIDTH:  8.5 cm
  • HEIGHT:  3.7 cm