Yixing Zisha Factory No.1 Standard Shuiping Teapot (c. early 1990s, Red Clay, 80ml)
This classic Shuiping (水平壺) teapot was produced by the renowned Yixing Zisha Factory No.1 in the early 1990s, the final years of the state factory era before privatization. Standard shuiping pots like this were the backbone of Factory One's export production, made in quantity yet held to consistent standards of clay and workmanship that later commercial pieces rarely matched. Each pot retains its original "Fang Yuan (方圓牌)" label, the factory's trademark and a familiar mark of authenticity from this period.
Made from dense red clay (hongni) with a single-hole spout and a precise 80ml volume, it is ideal for solo or duo gongfu sessions. The clay's balanced porosity flatters aromatic teas such as Tieguanyin, Dancong, and high-fired oolongs by lifting their fragrance, while also bringing out layered depth in red tea, white tea, or shou puer.
The shuiping is the most traditional of all Yixing forms, named for its ability to float level on water, with the spout, rim, and handle aligned on one plane. This example shows the textbook proportions and smooth, controlled pour the shape is loved for. Compact, honest, and endlessly practical, it is a perfect introduction to vintage Yixing ware and a rewarding pot to season over time.
Three identical pots are available; you will receive one from the batch, unused and in pristine condition with the label intact. Minor variations in clay tone are normal for factory production of the era.
