Chaozhou Hong Ni "Xi Shi" Clay Teapot by She Haibiao
Chaozhou Hong Ni (red clay) has more than 6000 years of history. It became more popular in the Tang and Song dynasties as a clay of choice for cookware and kettles for boiling water.
Feng Xi area near Chaozhou (in Guangdong) is where the clay is mined. It's a mountainous area and the clay mined there is very fine and is easy to work when it's mixed with water. Typically the clay is worked on a wheel. Chaozhou Hong Ni after firing takes on a deep red-orange color and a natural sheen. The finer the clay used the more sheen the pot has. The clay has a very high level of iron oxide, it's very pliable and after firing contracts about 15%. Firing temperatures used in the local kilns are close to 1000 celsius.
The clay has a metallic sound when tapped together. The clay is highly porous but without allowing water to escape or soak in deeply.
About the Artist She Haibiao:
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Guangdong Provincial Arts and Crafts Artist
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Master of Arts and Crafts of Chaozhou City
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Young Teapot Artist
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Member of the Guangdong Zisha Zhuni Teapot Professional Committee
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Member of the Chaozhou Arts and Crafts Association
She Haibiao was born in 1990 in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. He comes from a family of ceramic artists and was deeply influenced by this environment from a young age. This subtle yet powerful exposure sparked a strong interest in the craft of hand-thrown teapot creation.
He had the great honor of studying under Master Wu Desheng (a provincial-level master), and under his teacher’s strict guidance, he diligently studied the art of teapot making. In order to better inherit and promote the intangible cultural heritage of Chaozhou hand-thrown teapots, he continually explores and innovates through practical work, integrating his learning into application.
He founded his own studio, named Ruide Xuan, where his works have achieved notable artistic results. His creations are highly appreciated and possess strong collectible value, winning the admiration of tea and art lovers both domestically and internationally.
His works have won numerous awards at national and provincial art competitions. Representative pieces include the hand-thrown "Swallow" (Yuyan) teapot with a lifting handle, which won the Gold Award of Guangdong Province, and the hand-thrown "Phoenix Call" (Fengming) teapot, which received the Silver Award for Guangdong Provincial Arts and Crafts Excellence, among other honors.
Chaozhou Hong Ni pots are excellent for all teas, but a perfect choice for Dan Cong Oolongs.
Volume Range: 100ml-120ml (+/-10ml)
