Zisha teapot Jing Zhou Shi Piao, handmade by Studio Craftsmanship CAO Dan, Zi Ni

🫖 Shi Piao (景洲石瓢)
Clay: Zi Ni
Volume:250cc

Clay:  
The original ore purple clay is a classic type of Zisha clay that is quite common. There are few good quality ones and many inferior ones. It has a purple-brown color and is often called "black purple clay" by players. It is one of the clay materials that players love. The products made from it have a pure texture, even sand particles, a pleasing color, a warm and delicate feel, not too bright or flashy, and are like small pieces of jade. It is refined from the original purple clay ore excavated from the Huanglongshan vein in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Because the iron content in the vein is relatively high, the particles in the clay are larger and the structure is loose, which makes the body of the vessel obviously a special double air-hole structure. The air convection is smooth, and the air holes have good convection. This gives Yixing purple clay teapots the characteristics of quick heat transfer, and strong heat preservation, and is conducive to maintaining the temperature and color, aroma, and taste of tea when brewing.

[Firing temperature] about 1180 degrees
[Shrinkage ratio] about 11%
[Mineral source] Yixing Ding Mountain Huanglongshan Purple Clay Series
[Clay nature] good stability, easy to control; dense and solid, can mold large-sized parts, and easy to shape
[Difficulty] The iron content is relatively high, and it is easy to produce fire defects, iron oxide has a low melting point, and it may cause jumping sand and flower mud during the firing process.
[Characteristics] The clay color is mature, stable, dignified, and solemn, and works of all sizes are suitable. It has a brown-purple tone, which can stabilize the mind and has a good affinity.
[Tea-brewing characteristics] It has good air permeability, a high color-changing rate when hot water is poured, and the tea taste is moderate. It is easy to control the brewing time and becomes more noble and charming after being seasoned. It is a tea-brewing tool that both refined and popular people can enjoy.
[Brewing recommendations]
Oolong tea, Pu'er tea, black tea, green tea, and various series.

Shape: 
The Shi Piao (Stone Ladle) teapot is one of the most iconic and versatile forms in Yixing Zisha heritage. This version is inspired by the legendary Yixing master Gu Jingzhou (顾景舟) — considered a milestone figure in modern Zisha history.

This “Jingzhou Shi Piao” variation features the master's distinctive structural design: a flattened oval body, narrow at the top and fuller at the base. Its shape radiates quiet strength, balance, and refinement — geometrically bold yet soft and flexible in its curves.

🧭 Shape Legacy – About “Jingzhou Shi Piao”
The name “Jingzhou Shi Piao” pays tribute to Gu Jingzhou (顾景舟, 1915–1996) — one of the most revered Zisha masters in modern history.

Born in Yixing’s Shuping region, Gu devoted his life to the art of Zisha teapots

He was known for blending technical excellence with spiritual aesthetics, turning function into philosophy

His works are now housed in museums and elite collections worldwide

Shi Piao was one of his signature shapes — praised for its balance between geometric structure and lyrical form

Gu’s version of Shi Piao is less angular, more rounded, and full of life in each curve — a timeless design that combines usability, beauty, and meaning.

Artist:
👤 Artist Profile: CAO DAN