Join Xiaosheng Bi, our Master Craft Resident Artist and ceramics instructor, as he shares his personal collection of Yixing teapots and presents a brief historical overview of this unique genre of Chinese ceramics.
Approximately five- to six-thousand-years ago, the city of Yixing became a center of pottery production, as the southeast hills are endowed with rich clay deposits.
The pieces were usually unglazed and derived their colors – brown, beige, reddish purple, yellow, black, and blue – after firing from the distinctive clays of the region. They became known as zi sha hu in Chinese – “purple sand pots.”
Yixing teapots made from these clays can preserve the color, smell, and taste of tea and are commonly used for wulong, puer, and black teas.
Refreshments will be provided.