Yixing Da Hong Pao Xishi 大红袍小品西施 (110 ml)

Mini Yixing Da Hong Pao teapot semi-handmade

Volume: 110 ml

Material: Da Hong Pao from Yixing

Semi-handcrafted by Pan Rui Ling, a young Yixing craftsman. At the time this teapot was made, she was still an apprentice. She is also the same artist who made our beloved Zini Xishi 110ml.

What is Da Hong Pao Ton?

Da Hong Pao literally means Big Red Robe (it is also the name of a Wuyi Yancha), as both the ore found in Huang Long Mountain in Yixing and the clay glow red after burning. The raw ore from Da Hong Pao appears like jade in a dark red color, which is very rare, as even the raw ore from large red Zhuni teapots is yellow and only turns red after burning. (see the photo of the raw ore above).

Not only does the ore look like jade, but its texture is much harder than other ores that are used to make Yixing teapots. The raw ore from Da Hong Pao is relatively rare and is considered to be the highest quality of red clay.

The firing temperature for Da Hong Pao teapots is between 1120 and 1150 degrees Celsuis with a shrinking percentage of around 5.5%. The shrinkage is much less than that of a Zhuni clay. For this reason, a Zhuni clay teapot usually has wrinkles, but Da Hong Pao teapots look much smoother on the surface. After firing, the clay turns darker red with a really fine and somewhat oily surface.

The finished teapots are less porous than other Yixing teapots such as Zini, Duanni (Tuanni), and Jiangponi. Like a Zhuni teapot, a Da Hong Pao does not absorb the aroma and taste of tea as much as Zini, Duanni, etc. It retains the high aroma and is better suited to highly aromatic oolong tea such as Dancong Oolong.

It is an ideal choice for enjoying exclusive Gongfu style teas.