【Mengchen Pear Style】National-Level Arts and Crafts Artist Liu Hong, Pure Handmade, Huanglong Mountain Vermilion Clay, 150cc

【Local Taiwanese Store with Comprehensive After-Sales Service】 【Certificate Included with Every Piece】 【National-Level Arts and Crafts Artist Liu Hong】 Born in Yixing, Jiangsu. Since 2010, he has studied the non-heritage, fully handmade pot-making techniques under the Gu school's lineage. He currently studies under the renowned Zisha artist Zhou Yijuan, a Jiangsu Provincial Arts and Crafts Celebrity. He has also received guidance from his grand-master, Xu Hantang, a direct disciple of Gu Jingzhou and a China Arts and Crafts Master, and Xu Yuanming, a Jiangsu Provincial Arts and Crafts Master. Through diligent study and practice, he has benefited greatly. For over a decade, he has specialized in the exploration and creation of Zisha's plain-surfaced teapots, particularly excelling in replicating and custom-making classic Ming and Qing dynasty teaware. His works are refined in form, elegant with ancient charm, and have won numerous awards in major exhibitions and competitions. He is a highly promising young Zisha ceramic artist with significant potential. 【Huanglong Mountain Vermilion Clay】 The vermilion clay we refer to today is not the same concept as the vermilion clay from the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, "vermilion clay" emphasized color, meaning a color similar to "vermilion," rather than the mineral material itself. Modern "vermilion clay" is a type of zhu ni (朱泥), and besides its similar color, it emphasizes "texture" (sandiness). We call zhu ni with prominent particles and a strong sandy texture after firing "vermilion clay." Raw vermilion clay is also found in nian ni (嫩泥) ore. It is essentially block-like zhu ni formed due to prolonged weathering, hence it is called "rock within clay." Vermilion clay is mud, while vermilion clay is mudrock. Vermilion clay appears like mud externally, but internally it is as hard as stone, yet it disperses upon contact with water. Most raw ore is earthy yellow, containing soil minerals from volcanic deposits. It is yellowish with a hint of red, has a muddy structure, and good viscosity. After firing, it has a bright color, prominent particles, and a strong sandy texture. Compared to regular zhu ni, vermilion clay has undergone longer weathering, transforming from clay into mudrock. It has a richer quartz content, shrinks less, requires a higher firing temperature, has a rougher cross-section, and excellent breathability, resulting in a strong sandy texture. Compared to mixed-sand zhu ni, the particle distribution in raw vermilion clay is more natural and less uniform. It performs exceptionally well with hot water, making it a potent tool for 'killing' tea! However, the difficulty in crafting lies in its coarse and heavy sandiness, making it challenging to smooth with a spatula. During firing, sand particles are prone to popping out. Thin clay sections and joints are particularly difficult to handle. Uneven shrinkage occurs where sand particles are unevenly distributed, easily leading to issues like crooked handles or knobs. Therefore, perfect pieces are rare and can only be found by chance. 【Frequently Asked Questions QA】 1. How to prepare the pot before use? Clean the inside and outside thoroughly. A dishcloth is recommended; do not use chemical agents. Simply wash with water, and it is ready for use. 2. How to season the pot? Keep it clean and dry after use, otherwise tea stains will accumulate. Place it in a ventilated area after use. If storing in the box for a long time, allow it to air dry naturally for 1-2 months to ensure sufficient evaporation of moisture from the pores, preventing mold. 3. How to clean tea stains or mold? Soak with enzyme cleaner. 4. How to warm the pot correctly? In cold weather, or after a long period of disuse, pour 40°C warm water over the inside and outside of the pot, then fill the pot with water, allowing the Zisha pores to fully absorb moisture. 5. How to care for pieces with engravings? For pots with engravings, it is recommended to clean them with a soft brush. 6. What if the item is damaged during shipping? YANHUANG EARTH fully covers shipping safety. If damaged, please contact customer service immediately. 7. Our store's products are also sold through physical channels. Handmade items are produced in limited quantities. Please inquire about availability before purchasing. 8. All product images are of the actual items. Due to color differences in computer monitors, lighting during photography, and other factors, there may be slight variations between the photos and the actual product. The actual product is the standard.