Da Hong Pao clay comes from the west side of the Fudong township of Yixing in Jiangsu province. At the boundary of Rentu village and Hongwei village is a small mining area, which produces this delicate double-layer clay. High in iron oxide, it takes on a crimson color after roasting in a kiln (Note: Da Hong Pao means "Crimson Robe" in Chinese). This is high density clay of exquisite quality with a high degree of crystallization. It brews tea that is soft, smooth, and great tasting. Over time brewing tea gives the teapot a highly pleasing bright red color. This type of clay is extremely rare. It produces excellent tasting tea and is highly acclaimed.

Only use one type of tea in your new Yixing pot.  Please be sure to season your new Yixing teapot with the type of tea that you intend to use regularly in it.  Here is a link to some suggested seasoning instructions:  http://www.jas-etea.com/pages/Seasoning-your-Yixing-Teapot.html

Mining area: western Fudong township of Yixing city
Kiln temperature: approx. 1040 C.
Contraction: approx. 45%-55%.

Appropriate for brewing: fresh Oolong teas (light roasted types) are extremely well-suited, Tie Guan Yin (medium roasted or highly roasted types), various kinds of Pu-erh.

Product Name: Gu Shi Shui Ping teapot (with certificate of authenticity)

Capacity: 130ml

Bottom Inscription: "Jianying Zhi Tao" (entirely handmade by Jianying, Da Hong Pao clay)

Description: Handmade and kiln roasted at the perfect temperature. It has a fine gloss and a delightful delicate red color. Breathes well and is easy to cultivate through brewing tea. It will only increase in beauty as it ages. This teapot has a dignified and traditional shape.  Its handle and spout are well-proportioned. This is a product of exquisite craft – simple and refined. It has a tight-fitting lid and a smooth flow of liquid. Practical and useful, this is a product of the highest value. This teapot comes with a certificate of authenticity.

About the creator: Wang Jianying is a nationally certified practitioner of fine arts and a member of Yixing pottery association.  A fourth generation descendant of the famed Fan Dasheng, she is a Fan Family Teapot Company master craftsworker. She has been fascinated with the craft of zisha since childhood. In 1986, she began working with zisha pottery under the tutelage of her mother Fan Yuehong, quickly developing a substantial skillset. In recent years she has benefited from the careful guidance of the current head of the Fan Family Teapot Company, Fan Weiqun, and her pottery making skills have become increasingly mature. Her products have received numerous awards and have appeared in Chinese and international books and other publications.  They are widely sought out by collectors.

A quality teapot requires quality material and quality workmanship. As a collectors item, it also demands that its producer has a certain level of official recognition.  Master craftsworker Wang Jianying holds nationally recognized credentials.  As such, these products have high potential to appreciate in value.

Translation of original source material by Aaron Davis