Black Chao Zhou?

[phoenixK]

My wife just got me this teapot. The shop keeper said it was Taiwanese, and by the looks of it, I think it is wheel thrown. Can it be a Chao Zhou? Can they be black? Also, the outside surface looks polished. It is 150 ml and obviously well constructed. Absolutely no dripping from the lid when pouring, stops immediately when pressing my finger on the knob hole, and the lid stays on when I flip upside down keeping my finger on the spout hole.

A few other questions.. Normally I boil a Yixing prior to using, but i'm worried about boiling this one as if it is a Chao Zhou, I've read not to. (on teahabitat is says - "Do NOT boil them like the YiXings!")

I can't wait to experiment with it to see what tea will work well, any suggestions on what type to start with?

[TIM]

Taiwanese Wheel Turned Pot.

[wyardley]

I would guess that the shop owner is right about the pot's origin (and Taiwan made pots also tend to be wheel thrown). To answer your question, though, here are Chaozhou pots that are black.

I wouldn't worry too much about boiling either type of pot. YMMV.

[phoenixK]

I wouldn't worry too much about boiling either type of pot. YMMV.

Thanks for the suggestion... I boiled it by sitting it in the cold water and letting it slowly come to a boil and it was fine.

Typically would you say that this type of clay would pair better with Taiwanese teas such as Bao Zhong or Li Shan, or more oxidized like Wuyi rock oolongs?

I have done one test with Bao Zhong but I think I was letting the tea cool too long before drinking and was getting skewed results. I will test again soon...

[bagua7]

Every pot has got its own personality. Put a gaiwan or a porcelain pot aside, brew your chosen tea in both and see how they compare, if worse in the clay pot then you know that it isn't really suited for that particular tea.

It's a trial and error game.