These entry level Yixing pots look good to me!

[FiveStar]

So no different than the addition of iron oxide to redden a claybody. The Mn isn't still soluable if fluxed out, correct?

[Tead Off]

So no different than the addition of iron oxide to redden a claybody. The Mn isn't still soluable if fluxed out, correct?

Yes, it won't kill you.

[steanze]

Looks like a manganese doped zini. Manganese is added to darken the clay as with many hei zini pots.

What I wonder is whether the original clay before doping was zini. The clay texture looks quite different from regular zini (definitely does not look like the hei ni used by F1 in the '80s-'90s).

[steanze]

mm maybe coarse zini that was manganese doped and mixed with duanni to achieve the white/yellow speckles

[Tead Off]

mm maybe coarse zini that was manganese doped and mixed with duanni to achieve the white/yellow speckles

Probably.
F1 hei ni were doped, too.

[steanze]

F1 hei ni were doped, too.

Yes I know they were manganese doped zini but they look quite different from these ebay pots, that's why I was wondering what was the base clay for these ebay pots

[FiveStar]

As a potter, I've seen all kinds of mineral additions to claybodies. Iron Oxide is often added in copious amounts to create a nice dark background for kohiki work. I tend to feel that as long as the pot looks good, is made of SOME KIND of local clay from china, is handmade, and well crafted, then it should make a good pot of tea.

I think the term "doped" just has a bit of a negative connotation, but I understand the sentiment It is certainly understandable. Just like when folks wedge feldspar chunks into a claybody trying to get the look of Shigaraki clays. Never looks like the real thing. Some things are certainly greater than the sum of their parts!

I'll report back when the pot arrives. Hopefully it will take to one tea or another, and brew me a decent cuppa. It is certainly good looking, (to me at least) and that always helps one enjoy a tea session!

Thanks for all the input, all of you yixing heads.

[Tead Off]

You have to ask yourself why do potters 'dope' their clay with oxides? It doesn't add anything to the clay except color, so it is primarily an aesthetic decision. You could then ask what kind of clay is the potter using that they feel they need to change its color synthetically? Isn't the clay good enough not to tamper with? Or, is it just a marketing ploy to satisfy a particular trend in fashion or create something 'unique' to the artist?

Having been around the world of teaware for awhile, I notice an enormous body of work in different countries where the use of natural clay bodies have produced incredible work with just the ingenuity of the potters working with what they have available. To me, it's part of the tradition of producing work that is used every day for preparing teas that are made in harmony with natural materials. If it's something made for display, well that's another story and another direction that is not really part of the tea drinking genre.

[bagua7]

That xishi is alright. I can see in the photos duanni has been added to a zini-base clay. It's called Pao Sha technique as described in this pot.

That pot should also fit the matches proposed by JTS.

Enjoy your new pot!

[tingjunkie]

That xishi is alright. I can see in the photos duanni has been added to a zini-base clay. It's called Pao Sha technique as described in this pot.

My understanding was that technique referred to particles of duan ni on the surface of the clay, rather than mixed throughout.

[kyarazen]

That xishi is alright. I can see in the photos duanni has been added to a zini-base clay. It's called Pao Sha technique as described in this pot.

My understanding was that technique referred to particles of duan ni on the surface of the clay, rather than mixed throughout.

mixed throughout is known as tiao sha~ 调砂
on the surface is knownas pu-sha~ 铺砂

[bagua7]

Thanks for the clarification guys!

So Tiao Sha will have a real effect on the brew whereas Pu Sha is more aesthetic, right?. Interesting. Has anyone got any of these pots to share their experiences here?

[FiveStar]

Got my pot on Friday! Craftsmanship looks good, good pour, stops when lid hole is plugged, and lid holds when the spout is covered and the pot is inverted. Definitely handmade given a onceover. Really happy with the pot!

Fast shipping. Only gripe was the pot smelled like the box it came in when it arrived. A heavy plastic/glue/synthetic fabric smell. Nothing a few boiling water rinses and a couple of rounds of tea poured out for my homies didn't cure.

Brewing a high mountain oolong today yielded an exceptionally thick and sweet session. Couldn't be happier! Will buy again when I need another yixing.

[tdell001]

I am considering buying the Yixing teapot from this seller found in the attached link. I plan to use this teapot for raw pu-erh, mostly younger raw pu-erh. Does this seem like a good choice or should I keep looking?

I feel a little uncertain about this pot because I have read Duan ni clay is mixed. Does this mean mixed by a person or naturally? I am hesitant to buy Yixing clay, which was made by a person.

I have also read this type of clay has a muting effect on flavors (particularly bitter flavors or high notes). Should I avoid this quality?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/authentic-chine ... SwyQtVz-94

[Tead Off]

Theoretically, you've already answered your question about this clay. It does mute some flavors, but muting doesn't mean eliminating. If this is the only pot you will buy for primary use, why don't you try and get a zini or hongni pot to use with young shengcha, hongni probably taking the lead for this type of tea. Younger shengcha still exhibits aroma and flavor, which often contains florals and sweetness that you want to come forward. Or, a gaiwan is certainly suitable for young shengcha.