Zisha teapot Lian Zi, handmade by artist Level 3, YU Zhen(L3-2018）DUAN NI

🫖 Lian Zi Teapot (Lotus Seeds) “莲子”壶
Clay: Duan Ni (Wucai ) 五彩段泥
Capacity: 250ml
Craftsmanship: Fully Handmade
Engraving: Orchids with "幽兰飘香"
Artist: Yu Zhen 俞震 (Level 3 National Arts & Crafts Artist, 2018)
Includes: Certificate of authenticity + gift box

The Shape

The Lian Zi (Lotus Seed) teapot is one of the earliest and most classical shapes in the Yixing teapot tradition, with origins tracing back to the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty, or possibly even earlier. Its defining structure consists of a series of rounded forms stacked from small to large, creating a rhythm of layered symmetry.

The form represents more than elegance — it embodies the traditional Chinese blessing of “Lian Sheng Gui Zi” (连生贵子), meaning “continuous birth of noble children.” The lotus (lian) symbolizes continuity, while the seed (zi) refers to offspring. Together, this shape conveys wishes for prosperity, family legacy, and enduring lineage.

Relationship to Duo Zhi & Duo Qiu Teapots:

• The Duo Zhi (掇只) teapot evolved from the lotus seed form by removing the ear-shaped wings below the handle and transforming the lid into a two-tier structure, reflecting the concept of “duo” (stacking or layering). The result is a more minimalist and upright silhouette.

• Later, Feng Youting and his disciple Cheng Shouzhen refined the Duo Zhi into the Duo Qiu (掇球) teapot. They raised the neck, rounded the lid into a semi-spherical dome, and made the knob more spherical, creating the impression of three full spheres stacked together — hence the name “stacked balls.”

These three teapot shapes — Lian Zi, Duo Zhi, and Duo Qiu — form a continuous lineage in Yixing teapot design. Each represents a different stage in the evolution of form and philosophy, and all are celebrated for their timeless structure, auspicious symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the Lotus Seed teapot stands as a foundational icon — a beginning of form and a legacy of meaning in the art of Yixing Zisha.

The Calay

Wucai Duanni, or “Five-Colored Duanni,” is a naturally co-mined Yixing Zisha clay composed of Duanni (yellow clay), Hongni (red clay), and Zini (purple clay). Unlike artificially blended clays, these three mineral types are naturally fused within the same ore body, forming a unique material that is both visually striking and functionally refined.

The clay is extracted from the Zhaozhuang mine, located at the tail end of Huanglong Mountain’s mineral belt, making it part of Yixing’s prestigious original ore lineage. Due to its scarcity and unique geological structure, it is considered a rare and highly collectible clay.

Clay Characteristics:

• Composition: Naturally fused Duanni, Hongni, and Zini

• Texture: Gritty yet smooth; refined granularity with natural mineral speckling

• Color After Firing: Multi-toned, with speckled surface of red, yellow, brown, and dark hues — hence the name “Five-Colored”

• Shrinkage Rate: ~8%

• Firing Temperatures:

  • Standard: ~1250–1320°C

  • High-intensity firing (e.g. Grade 11): up to 1360°C

• Iron Content: Ranges from 18% to 40% depending on firing curve

After processing by skilled clay craftsmen through hand selection, purification, and natural aging, the clay is formed into works that exhibit striking surface patterns and a subtle luster that evolves with time.

Performance in Brewing:

Wucai Duanni is known for its balanced breathability and superior heat retention, making it ideal for brewing:

• Young Sheng Pu-erh

• Rock Oolongs (e.g. Wuyi Yancha)

• Aged or aromatic black teas

It retains warmth, enhances fragrance, and brings out clarity and body in the liquor. With continued use and proper tea seasoning, the surface will develop a lustrous “ice-jade” like sheen, creating a visually stunning and tactilely rich experience.

Wucai Duanni is not only a pleasure to use — it is a story of earth, fire, and time, written across every curve of your teapot. 🌈🍵

About the Artist – Yu Zhen (俞震)
Born in 1969 in the ceramics capital of Yixing, Yu Zhen is a Level 3 National Arts & Crafts Artist (awarded in 2018) and a respected member of Zisha Factory No. 1.

With over 20 years of experience in Yixing ceramic carving and teapot making, Yu Zhen’s works are known for their bold forms, refined carving, and masculine grace. Trained under multiple senior masters and immersed in a family of ceramic artists, Yu brings together the essence of traditional Chinese art and his own unique design sensibilities.

His style is characterized by:
✔ Structural confidence with dynamic flow
✔ Deep cultural references in shape and decoration
✔ Powerful lines, dignified proportions, and authentic workmanship