Zisha teapot Duo Zhi, handmade by artist Level 3, SHENG Zhong Jie（L3-2015）Shi Hong, Zhu Ni

🫖 Duo Zhi ( 掇只壶) – 200ml
Clay: Shi Hong (石红, variant of Zhu Ni)
Capacity: 200ml
Craftsmanship: Fully Handmade
Artist: Sheng Zhongjie 盛中杰
Level: National Arts & Crafts Artist (Level 3 – awarded in 2015)
Includes: Certificate of authenticity + gift box

Timeless Elegance, Rooted in Philosophy – DUO ZHI

The Duozhi teapot, created by the renowned Yixing master Shao Daheng, draws its inspiration from a traditional container used in Yixing for condiments and candies, known as "duozi". Over time, it came to be referred to as "duozhi", as the pronunciation of "zi" has shifted in modern Mandarin.  

In the realm of Yixing pottery, connoisseurs often liken the Duozhi teapot to its counterparts, the Lian Zi（lotus seed ）and the Duo Qiu (stacked ball). 

The Lian Zi teapot is among the earliest designs to emerge, dating back to the reign of Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty, or even earlier. Its original form mimics the structure of lotus seeds, with each layer stacking atop the next, symbolizing the traditional Chinese notion of "continuous birth of sons", signifying perpetual renewal and prosperity. 

The Duozhi teapot is a refined adaptation of the Lian Zi teapot, characterized by the removal of the ears beneath the lotus seed handle and the transformation of the lid into a double layer. Some suggest that this evolution stemmed from the stacking of objects, hence the name "duozhi". 

Subsequently, Yixing masters Feng Youting and his disciple Cheng Shouzhen raised the neck of the Duozhi teapot, altered the lid to a more semi-circular shape, and rounded the knob, resembling three stacked balls, hence termed as "duoqiu". However, the exact chronology of the duozhi and duoqiu teapots remains unclear. 

The Duozhi teapot boasts a simple and elegant design, with a lustrous and full-bodied appearance, exuding understated sophistication through its concise lines. Esteemed Chinese master Gu Jingzhou once lauded the creator of the Duozhi teapot, Shao Daheng, as a pinnacle figure in Yixing pottery artistry, whose creations epitomize mastery and refinement, leaving an indelible mark on the craft.

About the Clay – Shi Hong (Stone Red)
Shi Hong, also known as "Stone Red," is a rare and highly prized subtype of Yixing Zhu Ni. With high mineral content, particularly iron and zinc, this clay is known for its:

Deep reddish-brown color, sometimes bordering on purplish-black after firing

Metallic luster that develops with use (hence nicknamed “iron pot clay”)

Very low plasticity, making it extremely hard to shape and fire

Strong tea-enhancing properties, especially for Shou Pu-erh, Liu Bao, and dark teas

Shi Hong clay is notoriously difficult to work with, and only master-level artisans attempt to use it for full-handmade teapots. This adds immense collectible value and rarity to the piece.

About the Artist – Sheng Zhongjie 盛中杰
Born in 1972, Sheng Zhongjie is a Level 3 National Arts & Crafts Artist, and a direct disciple of Master Xu Hantang 徐汉棠, a China National Grand Master. He began his formal training in the late 1980s and has since held key technical and design roles in Yixing’s famed Zisha Factory No. 2.

His accolades include:
🏆 Multiple Gold Awards in national-level arts & crafts exhibitions
🏆 Permanent museum collections in Wuxi, Xinjiang, and Anhui
🏆 Publications in major ceramic journals and academic exhibitions

Sheng is known for his deep grounding in tradition and his delicate integration of philosophy into form. His works are meditative, minimalist, and full of soul, often expressing a poetic narrative in clay.

Recommended Teas: Shou Pu-erh, Liu Bao, Black Tea, Aged White

A masterpiece of balance, intention, and heritage — a collectible teapot that speaks to the mind and the heart.