Salt Spring Tea Company Ltd

"Steam rises from a cup of tea

and we are wrapped in history,

inhaling ancient time and lands,

comfort of ages in our hands."

Faith Greenbowl

The Yixing (pronounced yeeshing)teapots have been made since the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). That is when the special zisha clay was discovered and used in making the pots. This clay is only found in Yixing, an area about 120 miles northwest of Shanghai in Jiangsu province. One of the special qualities of this clay is that minute pores produced during firing allow the teapots to retain both heat and flavour. The clay is mined as large soft yellow rocks, allowed to weather outdoors for a year and then dried, pounded to a powder, sieved, soaked, redried in the sun. An artisan then takes approximately two days to rework the clay for use. The teapots are then individually created by hand. These artisans serve long apprenticeships with established masters.

Yixing teapots are collected and celebrated as a classic Chinese art form. Glazes are not used on the pots and they are free of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other toxic materials. These teapots truly become more seasoned with use. Zisha clay absorbs the subtle flavors of the tea and can be used for many years. Traditionally the teapots are small for individual use and their earthy colors and subtle beauty create a life enhancing experience.

Ling Ling's Nanny

Capacity: 1000 ml or 4 cups
Colors: Red, Brown and Black

Left-Handed Monk

Capacity: 200 ml or 1 cup
Colors: Red, Brown, Black and Blue

Tea Master's Apprentice

Capacity: 200 ml or 1 cup
Colors: Red, Brown, Black and Blue