{"product_id":"xishi-120ml-yixing-benshan-luni-teapot","title":"Xishi 120ml Yixing Benshan Luni Teapot","description":"\u003cp\u003eA petite handmade Yixing teapot in the graceful Xishi form, shaped from Benshan Luni clay for intimate Gongfu tea sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoftness in Form\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRounded, balanced and quietly graceful, the Xishi Yixing Teapot is a softer expression of the classical Zisha tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis petite version is handmade from Benshan Luni (本山绿泥) clay and holds approximately 120 ml \/ 4.1 fl oz—a compact capacity particularly suited to solo Gongfu tea and smaller shared sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the stronger geometry of Shipiao or the upright balance of Gongdeng, Xishi is defined by curves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body feels full.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lines remain gentle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd at 120 ml, the entire form rests comfortably within the intimacy of the hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandmade Yixing Zisha teapot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional Xishi (西施) form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBenshan Luni \/ 本山绿泥 clay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApprox. 120 ml \/ 4.1 fl oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApprox. 9 × 6.8 × 6 cm \/ 3.5 × 2.7 × 2.4 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePetite xiaopin teapot format\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for Gongfu-style tea preparation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParticularly suited to solo and intimate tea sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy This Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Xishi form has an immediate softness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts body is rounded rather than angular, with the surrounding elements composed around that central volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a sense of fullness without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a smaller scale, those qualities become even more apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 120 ml capacity keeps the pot intimate, while Benshan Luni gives the piece a material identity quite different from the warmer Zhuni and deeper Zini pieces elsewhere in the collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor someone building a collection around both classical Yixing forms and different clay traditions, this Xishi introduces a particularly gentle counterpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThe Xishi Form\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXishi — 西施 is one of the most recognizable names among traditional Yixing teapot forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts character is defined primarily by curves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rounded body establishes the centre of the composition, while the lid, spout and handle are balanced around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere Ziye Shipiao feels architectural and grounded, and Gongdeng feels composed and symmetrical, Xishi feels softer and more organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat apparent simplicity places great importance on proportion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the body becomes too full, the pot can feel heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the spout or handle becomes too dominant, the balance disappears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen these relationships work together, Xishi has an effortless quality—as though the form could hardly have been otherwise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eBenshan Luni · 本山绿泥\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis teapot is described as being made from Benshan Luni (本山绿泥), a clay name belonging to the vocabulary of Yixing Zisha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe deliberately retain the traditional term rather than reducing it simply to “green clay.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word 绿泥 — Luni can be misleading when interpreted literally by someone unfamiliar with Yixing pottery: it does not mean that the finished teapot should necessarily appear bright green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reason, the actual product photography should be used to represent the fired colour faithfully rather than digitally pushing the clay toward a greener tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material should look as it actually is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e120 ml: Made for Intimate Tea\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapacity: approximately 120 ml \/ 4.1 fl oz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a deliberately small teapot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e120 ml is particularly comfortable for solo Gongfu sessions and repeated infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor Two\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith smaller Gongfu cups, the pot can also be shared between two people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor Repeated Infusions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe smaller volume encourages the tea to be brewed in multiple rounds rather than prepared as one large serving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor someone accustomed to Western-style teapots, 120 ml may initially seem very small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Gongfu tea, that intimacy is part of the experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Different Expression of Yixing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace this Xishi beside a Shipiao and the difference becomes immediately apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne is constructed through stronger lines and a lower stance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other seems almost entirely composed from curves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat variety is part of what makes traditional Yixing forms so interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are all teapots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey perform essentially the same function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet subtle changes in body, proportion, spout, handle and lid can give each one an entirely different personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXishi is among the gentlest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMade for Gongfu Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm the pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecant completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen return for another infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120 ml, each round remains small enough that the tea session naturally becomes a sequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe liquor changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd with each return to the pot, its small proportions begin to feel increasingly natural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a vessel made not simply to hold tea, but to become part of its rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDetails\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduct: Yixing Zisha Teapot\u003cbr\u003eForm: Xishi \/ 西施\u003cbr\u003eClay: Benshan Luni \/ 本山绿泥\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Yixing, China\u003cbr\u003eCraft: Handmade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCapacity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox. 120 ml \/ 4.1 fl oz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox. 9 × 6.8 × 6 cm\u003cbr\u003eApprox. 3.5 × 2.7 × 2.4 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGongfu tea\u003cbr\u003eSolo tea sessions\u003cbr\u003eTea for two\u003cbr\u003eRepeated infusions\u003cbr\u003eSmall-volume brewing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs this is a handmade teapot, subtle variations may occur between individual pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLiving With Yixing Clay\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore first use, rinse the teapot carefully with clean water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter each tea session, remove the leaves and rinse the interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow the teapot to dry completely with the lid removed before storing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid strongly scented detergents unless specifically recommended by the maker, as residues may interfere with later tea sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtect the pot from impacts and sudden temperature changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eA Note on Handmade Character\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandmade Yixing pottery should not be expected to have the absolute mechanical uniformity of industrial ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtle differences in clay tone, surface and hand-finished details may occur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen choosing your pot, look closely at:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClay Surface · Lid · Spout · Handle · Base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese details are particularly important when evaluating a restrained classical form such as Xishi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eMade for Quiet Tea\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXishi does not rely on ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts character comes from something more difficult to describe:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe fullness of the body,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe softness of a curve,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe relationship between spout and handle,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand the feeling of a small teapot resting naturally within the hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFill it with tea and those decisions begin to make sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArt of Quiet Living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCurator's Note\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the classical forms currently in our Yixing collection, Xishi brings the softest visual language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendan is rounded but more structured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZiye Shipiao is low and architectural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDezhong is restrained and grounded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGongdeng is balanced and upright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eXishi is defined by softness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 120 ml, that rounded form becomes particularly intimate—an excellent scale for someone who most often prepares Gongfu tea alone.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oriental Artisan ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48774572277950,"sku":null,"price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/9885\/5870\/files\/47311787383999_.pic_hd.jpg?v=1787384061","url":"https:\/\/oriental-artisan.com\/products\/xishi-120ml-yixing-benshan-luni-teapot","provider":"Oriental Artisan ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}