Zisha teapots feature a unique porous structure with fine air holes. They boast excellent air permeability and can retain the natural aroma of tea, which keeps the teapot in its original and elegant state without the need for glazing. This makes zisha teapots superior to other ceramic teapots, as glazed ceramic teapots are less breathable. As stated in Chang Wu Zhi (A Treatise on Superfluous Things): “The best teapots are made of zisha clay, for they neither take away the tea’s fragrance nor retain the scalding heat.” The breathability of zisha teapots brings numerous benefits for tea brewing:

1. When brewing tea with a zisha teapot, the tea remains fresh even on hot summer days without going stale. After brewing, if the tea is left for several days, it may develop a stale odor. Simply remove the tea residue, fill the teapot with boiling water, swirl it around, and pour it out. Then, submerge the hot teapot in cold water, and immediately drain the cold water. The teapot will regain its original quality.

2. Zisha teapots are made of sandy clay with slow heat conduction and good heat retention. Therefore, when you lift, hold, touch, or caress the teapot, it does not feel hot. In winter, holding the teapot with both hands not only keeps your hands warm but also provides a gentle massage effect for fitness.

3. Zisha teapots have a high porosity and a dual-porous structure, enabling them to withstand sudden temperature changes. When boiling water is poured into the teapot in cold weather, it will not crack. Similarly, it will not crack even when used for gentle heating or steaming with warm water.

4. Due to the teapot’s porous structure, it can absorb tea residue without retaining any odors. With long-term use, a layer of tea residue forms on the inner wall. Even when empty, pouring boiling water into the teapot will fill the air with a rich tea aroma.

5. Zisha teapots come in various shapes and sizes, mainly divided into tall and short styles. Tall teapots are suitable for brewing black tea, as black tea undergoes fermentation during processing and can tolerate being steeped for a long time. Thus, brewing black tea in a tall teapot enhances its rich aroma. Short teapots are ideal for brewing green tea, as green tea is unfermented and should not be steeped for too long. Therefore, brewing green tea in a short teapot preserves its bright, fresh color and delicate flavor.