In our pursuit of understanding and reviving tradition, we’ve recreated one of the first high-neck shuiping teapots from the 福记 workshop, originally crafted by master artisan 袁熙生 during the late Qing period. These rare zhuni pots were exported to Japan and cherished by senchado practitioners—highly sought after by collectors today.
Curious about its significance, we hunted down five original pieces and discovered the unique effects this shape has on tea brewing. Unlike traditional flat shuiping pots, the elevated neck and rounded base allow the tea leaves to form a proper 茶胆 (tea gall), enhancing headspace and steep clarity during gongfu brewing.
Crafted entirely by our partner artisan, Chen Zhijian, one of Chaozhou’s finest teapot makers, this piece is made from rare Yixing Tianqing clay (天青泥). Each teapot carries the Kangiiten mark, with meticulous oversight from clay procurement to firing—achieving the Ming dynasty’s famed “liver red” hue.
Despite a challenging 25% firing failure rate, this labor of love has resulted in a truly exceptional teapot that honors tradition while enhancing the modern tea experience.
