Zisha Teapot
Details
2023
Yixing, Jiangsu, China
September 2023
Craft study
Traditional Zisha teapot making
Zisha Teapot
In September 2023, I spent time in Yixing, Jiangsu, learning traditional Zisha teapot making from local artisans. Working alongside experienced makers, I followed the process from raw clay to my first hand-built pot, ready for the kiln.
This craft study offered a practical introduction to a centuries-old tradition, learning through demonstration, repetition and close attention to the material.
The film follows the teapot from a strip of clay to an assembled form. The vessel wall is joined by hand, with separate clay discs closing the base and top. Careful paddling shapes the body, while the lid is built and fitted separately. Trimming and burnishing refine the surface before the spout and handle complete the pot. The craftsmanship lies in repeated small adjustments: checking the curves, smoothing the joins and bringing separate components into alignment. Each stage combines simple tools with close attention to how the clay responds.
My first hand-built Zisha teapot, made under the guidance of local artisans in Yixing, September 2023.
Zisha Teapot
2023