Yixing Ware

Yixing - pronounced “Yee-Sheeng”- wares (i.e. tea pots, etc) have been in use since the Song Dynasty, but became well known in the Ming Dynasty for its unique mineral-rich properties when - used as unglazed wares - they were heralded as adding a new quality to tea drinking. Since these wares are unglazed, tea oils (flavors & aromas) are absorbed into the clay and therefore can enhance a tea considerably. 

In the case of reserving use of certain Yixing tea pots for specific kinds of Tea, this practice creates a ‘seasoning’ of such teapots - where one can bring up the level of a tea by using a well-seasoned pot. Today, Yixing tea pots are an essential element of Chinese Tea service, and a standard item in any tea space. The more rare “Zusha” or Purple sand Yixing clay tea pots are particularly desirable, containing higher levels of iron ore and other minerals - including quartz - in their clay. All Jade Summit Yixing wares are hand selected for simplicity, grace and quality.