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Late 1980s – Early 1990s | Factory Commissioned | Unused, Original Condition
This teapot belongs to a special batch commissioned in the late 1980s to early 1990s by the well-known Taiwanese art gallery Chang Jiang Art (長江藝術). Unlike standard semi-handmade “mold-assisted” Factory One production of the time, these were custom-ordered and made fully by hand according to the merchant’s specifications.
Because they were not part of regular mass production, both the craftsmanship and clay selection were notably superior to typical export pieces. The body is fully hand-built, with natural structural tension and subtle asymmetry that reveals true handmade character.
An interesting historical detail: these teapots carry a “Made in Thailand” sticker. During that politically sensitive period, items labeled “Made in China” could face import complications in Taiwan. To facilitate export, special “Made in Thailand” and “Made in Japan” labels were prepared for selected overseas batches. Today, this has become a fascinating mark of its era.
All pieces from this batch remain unused and still retain the original thin layer of protective wax applied at the factory. This wax served to protect the surface from dust and fingerprints during storage and transport, while giving the new teapot a subtle, nurtured sheen. This slightly warm, tea-toned gloss was highly appreciated at the time. The wax can be gently removed with hot water and a soft cloth, revealing the original matte, velvety Zisha texture underneath.
The rounded body and fine-textured purple clay make this teapot particularly suitable for:
• Medium to heavy roasted Taiwanese oolongs (Dong Ding, aged Tieguanyin) - the porous clay softens roast edges and enhances body.
• Shou Pu’er - the clay absorbs excess humidity tones and supports a thicker mouthfeel.
• Traditional smoked black teas (e.g., Lapsang Souchong) - the clay stabilizes aromatic volatility and deepens sweetness.This teapot is the symbol of a preserved fragment of a specific moment in Yixing export history. Fully handmade, custom commissioned, and untouched since its departure from the kiln decades ago.
Late 1980s – Early 1990s | Factory Commissioned | Unused, Original Condition
This teapot belongs to a special batch commissioned in the late 1980s to early 1990s by the well-known Taiwanese art gallery Chang Jiang Art (長江藝術). Unlike standard semi-handmade “mold-assisted” Factory One production of the time, these were custom-ordered and made fully by hand according to the merchant’s specifications.
Because they were not part of regular mass production, both the craftsmanship and clay selection were notably superior to typical export pieces. The body is fully hand-built, with natural structural tension and subtle asymmetry that reveals true handmade character.
An interesting historical detail: these teapots carry a “Made in Thailand” sticker. During that politically sensitive period, items labeled “Made in China” could face import complications in Taiwan. To facilitate export, special “Made in Thailand” and “Made in Japan” labels were prepared for selected overseas batches. Today, this has become a fascinating mark of its era.
All pieces from this batch remain unused and still retain the original thin layer of protective wax applied at the factory. This wax served to protect the surface from dust and fingerprints during storage and transport, while giving the new teapot a subtle, nurtured sheen. This slightly warm, tea-toned gloss was highly appreciated at the time. The wax can be gently removed with hot water and a soft cloth, revealing the original matte, velvety Zisha texture underneath.
The rounded body and fine-textured purple clay make this teapot particularly suitable for:
• Medium to heavy roasted Taiwanese oolongs (Dong Ding, aged Tieguanyin) - the porous clay softens roast edges and enhances body.
• Shou Pu’er - the clay absorbs excess humidity tones and supports a thicker mouthfeel.
• Traditional smoked black teas (e.g., Lapsang Souchong) - the clay stabilizes aromatic volatility and deepens sweetness.
This teapot is the symbol of a preserved fragment of a specific moment in Yixing export history. Fully handmade, custom commissioned, and untouched since its departure from the kiln decades ago.