Sourced from a Jianshui family workshop
In early 2026, Michael Zhan traveled to Jianshui’s clay workshops along the Red River. After visiting several kilns, he stopped at a small family-run operation near the old town, where grey-purple slabs of local zitao are still pounded by hand and thrown on a wheel. The clay — high in iron and silica — is dug from a single hillside, then aged for months before shaping. Firing takes place in a traditional dragon kiln, where a carefully controlled reduction atmosphere at around 1100°C turns the raw pieces a deep, nearly black purple with subtle metallic flashes.
The shipiao form, with its broad belly, sharp spout and minimalist handle, was chosen for its historical resonance and functional elegance. Michael worked with the potter to refine the lip and handle balance so that the 150ml capacity feels precise in the hand — a tool meant to be used daily. This particular batch caught Michael’s eye because of the clay’s unusually fine grain, which he knew would develop a lustrous patina after only a few months of brewing. He selected fewer than thirty pieces, each checked for pour speed and a clean cut-off. All carry the maker’s discreet stamp under the lid.