Chen Tu Gen's Zisha Peach-Branch Teapot

In previous posts, I referred to the artist as Jin To Geun. I've since learned that is the Korean pronunciation of his name. Chen Tu Gen is more accurate to his Chinese name.

Sometimes desire creeps in slowly. I see a teapot, it's looks nice, I leave then the thought of the pot circles my thoughts until I "must" have it. This pot was different. From the moment it was shown to me, I wanted it, more than I'd ever wanted any other teapot.

Though I'd been on the looking out for a "stump" teapot (this one is more of a "branch") it was really the heart-shaped spout that I found the most appealing, but the peach is also one of the "Ten Symbols of Longevity" (12th on the list, don't ask...). It's a popular motif on many temple murals; A Daoist immortal accompanied by a couple of his little attendants, one of whom is lugging a giant peach for the master.

The pot is authentic Yixing zisha. The walls are so thin that when I pinched them to check the thickness, I was almost afraid that my finger would punch through, like on the paper windows on traditional latticed doors. Of course, I knew that it wouldn't, but it's just a testament to how amazingly thin the pot is. Unfortunately, the peach-branch design also means that the pot's thickness is not fully even, which affects the distribution of heat, in turn affecting the tea, but it's a minimal drawback, far outweighed by its beauty.

The wide spout allows for a very quick, clean pour, just a few seconds, which can make a good difference when using a larger pot. The lid fits perfectly in place and has a nice groove to keep the design in line. It fits so well that I've actually had a difficult time removing it after rinsing from the tight seal that forms. For some reason, after rising it hasn't been a problem. As I become more familiar with it, perhaps I'll figure something out.

The color of the clay is light purplish-brown. The specks of larger grain give it a slightly pink tone. At first, I commented that I preferred the even color of the other pots he made but Mr Ahn's description of the clay was that, "It's like the Milky Way in the night sky." After hearing it put that eloquently, I was willing to change my mind's eye... and admit that I have a lot to learn before I can call myself a tea master!

This zisha one was a promotional model, but there are several smaller (approx. 100-120ml) ones made from authentic zhuni available at >Kkik Da Geo<. The zhuni pots are exceptionally good for puer. Anyway, I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking. Any questions, I will gladly answer in the comments.