asteepintherightdirection:Yixing ClayYixing clay is a type of material used to create Zisha ware and

asteepintherightdirection:Yixing ClayYixing clay is a type of material used to create Zisha ware and teapots, among other utensils. Also called Purple Sand, it is a high iron material containing kaolin, quartz, and mica, and is found near the region of Yixing in the Jiangsu province of China.What makes Yixing clay fascinating is not only it’s ability as a clay, but just how dated the product actually is. Some of its earliest uses were during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and what prevents the pots from cracking or crumbling away is continued use. Yixing will also absorb small amounts of the tea brewed in it, eventually obtaining the flavour within its walls.Because of this, it is usually within the best interest of the consumer to pick only one tea to brew in their Yixing pot. The most common type is Puerh, a fermented black tea, but oolongs are also popular. It is not recommended to brew a flavoured or herbal tea in Yixing.Because of its absorbent properties, Yixing must never be washed with soap or detergents. It should be rinsed with water only, and left to air dry.1.Amies, Alex. Decorative designs in Chinese art. 2.K.S. Lo, et al., The Stonewares of Yixing: from the Ming period to the Present Day, (London, 1986). -- source link

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