real yixing?

[JRS22]

Given that the apprentice pots are well made and cost only $43 I didn't think that knowing the exact clay type was essential. I made my own decision about tea pairing after experimenting, but I think that information can be useful. A total newbie needs to know that yixing generally isn't the right pot for chinese or japanese greens.

[TMike]

Hey guys, I've actually purchased two of their teapots, both an apprentice and artisan yixing, but before I bought them I sent them an email asking what kind of clay their teapots were made of.

Here's what they had to say:

"Our remaining yixing pieces are crafted from Hong Ni ("red clay") from Dingshan. We commissioned these a little over three years ago.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Warmest regards,

Peter"

So there you have it, hope this helps

[JRS22]

Is the artisan pot noticeably better than the apprentice pot? I sent an email enquiring about the availability of smaller pots and I was told that they're trying to commission new pots since they have very few of the existing pots remaining.

[needaTEAcher]

Thanks TMike!

I want to point out that something as esoteric as zisha is, IMHO, best purchased from people that specialize in the product. I think that Red Blossom does not qualify as any kind of zisha specialist, but I want to send them mad props for having what looks (and now sounds) like solid quality zisha. Hats off!

[TMike]

Is the artisan pot noticeably better than the apprentice pot? I sent an email enquiring about the availability of smaller pots and I was told that they're trying to commission new pots since they have very few of the existing pots remaining.

Well from a craftsmanship point of view, the artisan does seem a bit better in terms of workmanship quality (my apprentice yixing came with a super small unnoticeable chip near the hole in the lid). But overall, they seem the be the same kind of clay and both work really great.

Also, good to know they'll commission new pots, hopefully they'll use different types of clay