【Mengchen Pear-Shaped Pot】 National Arts and Crafts Master Liu Hong, Huanglong Mountain Zhu Sha Clay, 190cc

【Local Taiwanese Seller, Full After-Sales Support】 【Each Piece Comes with a Certificate】 【National Arts and Crafts Master, Liu Hong】 A native of Yixing, Jiangsu, he began his apprenticeship under the Gu school's lineage in 2010, systematically learning the art of non-heritage, fully handmade teapots. He currently studies under the renowned Zisha artist Zhou Yijuan, a Jiangsu Provincial Arts and Crafts Master. He also received guidance from his grandmaster, Xu Hantang, a direct disciple of Gu Jingzhou and a Chinese Arts and Crafts Master, and Xu Yuanming, a Jiangsu Provincial Arts and Crafts Master. Through diligent study and practice, he has benefited immensely. For over a decade, he has specialized in the exploration and creation of plain Zisha teapots, particularly excelling in replicating and custom-designing classic Ming and Qing dynasty teaware. His creations are refined in form, exuding ancient elegance, and have won numerous awards in major exhibitions and competitions. He is a young, highly promising Zisha ceramic artist with significant potential. 【Huanglong Mountain Zhu Sha Clay】 The "Zhu Sha" we refer to today is not the same concept as the "Zhu Sha" of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The "Zhu Sha" of the Ming and Qing periods emphasized color, meaning a hue similar to "cinnabar," rather than cinnabar mineral ore. In the modern sense, "Zhu Sha" is a type of zhu ni (red clay). Besides its similar color, it emphasizes "texture" (sand). We call zhu ni with prominent particles and a strong sandy texture after firing "Zhu Sha." Native Zhu Sha clay is also found in nian ni (raw clay) deposits. In reality, it is a blocky zhu ni formed by long-term weathering, hence it is called "rock within clay." Zhu ni is clay; Zhu Sha is mudstone. Zhu Sha appears like clay externally but is as hard as stubborn stone internally, yet it disperses upon contact with water. Most native ores are earthy yellow, containing volcanic ash deposits. It is yellowish with a hint of red, has a clayey structure, and good viscosity. After firing, it yields a vibrant color with prominent particles and a strong sandy texture. Compared to regular zhu ni, Zhu Sha has undergone a longer weathering process, transforming from clay into mudstone. It has a richer quartz content, relatively less shrinkage, a higher firing temperature, a rougher cross-section, and good permeability, with a pronounced sandy texture. Compared to sand-added zhu ni, the particle distribution in native Zhu Sha is more natural, unlike the uniform distribution in sand-added varieties. It performs exceptionally well with hot infusions, truly a formidable tool for softening tea liquor! However, the difficulty in crafting lies in its coarse and heavy sand, making it challenging to smooth with a spatula (mingzhen). During firing, it is prone to shedding sand. Thin sections of the clay sheet and joints are particularly hard to handle. Areas with uneven sand distribution also shrink unevenly, easily leading to situations like crooked handles or knobs. Therefore, achieving a perfect piece is rare and can be considered a matter of serendipity. 【Frequently Asked Questions QA】 1. How to prepare the pot before first use? Clean the inside and outside thoroughly. A loofah sponge is recommended; avoid chemical cleaners. Simply rinse with water, and it's ready for use. 2. How to season the pot? After use, keep it clean and dry to prevent tea stains. Place it in a well-ventilated area after use. For long-term storage in the box, allow it to air dry naturally for 1-2 months to ensure sufficient moisture evaporation from the pores, otherwise, it may develop mold. 3. How to clean tea stains or mold? Soak with enzyme cleaner. 4. How to properly warm the pot? In cold weather, or after prolonged disuse, use 40°C warm water to gently pour over the inside and outside of the pot. Then fill the pot, allowing the Zisha pores to fully absorb moisture. 5. How to care for pieces with engravings? For pots with engraved designs, a soft brush is recommended for cleaning. 6. What if the item is damaged during shipping? Yan Huang Da Di Art fully covers shipping safety. If any damage occurs, please contact customer service immediately. 7. Our shop's products are also sold through physical channels. Handmade items are produced in limited quantities. Please inquire about current stock availability before purchasing. 8. All product images are of the actual items. Due to variations in computer screen colors, lighting during photography, and other factors, there may be slight differences between the photos and the actual product. The physical item shall prevail.