Zhu Bao Chun Hu - 230ml

This teapot from the Bao Chun series, boasts the bamboo theme, which encompasses the 5 themes of plum, bamboo, pine, cypress, and peach ; each a symbol of resilience and vitality.

Among them, bamboo is particularly admired, its leaves bending and stretching with ease, exuding a refined yet unyielding spirit, making it a favorite of both craftsmen and tea lovers alike. Though this piece was not produced by the Yixing Zisha Factory, its clay bears undeniable lineage, identical to the purple clay used by the factory in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, the factory had reached new heights in craftsmanship, with high-quality clay sources still readily available. However, with the tide of economic reform, independent teapot makers emerged, riding the wave of change, carving their own paths under their own seals and studio names. This teapot is a product of that era.

I acquired this teapot in the early 2000s, and at first glance, I could see that its raw fire had already faded, indicating that it was likely crafted in the mid-1990s. The clay used was undoubtedly the premium material that had once flowed from the Yixing Factory. The form is well-proportioned, its presence calm and assured. Weighing no more than 180 grams despite holding 230ml, it is clear that the clay had undergone a long period of weathering and aging before being shaped—imbued with the quiet depth of time itself. Its maker, Tan Lamei, bears a name that evokes nature, and true to her artistry, her works exude life. The teapot is full-bodied yet restrained in detail, balancing simplicity with a sense of antiquity—graceful, yet steadfast, much like bamboo itself.

Though its capacity is generous, its pour is swift—merely 11 seconds—leaving no concern for over-brewing. I particularly enjoy using it for white tea and black (hei cha) tea, preserving their natural fragrance while rounding off their sharper edges, allowing the tea to unfold in a soft and harmonious manner. For medium-roasted oolong, it also performs beautifully. But whether it can truly shine depends on how well it harmonizes with its new owner—such is the delicate dance between teapot and tea drinker.