Small handmade Chaozhou teapot by Cai Yujian - Volume approx. 90ml
Shen Ceng means "deep layer" and refers to the rare feldspathic clay used for this piece.
Yujian processes this clay using a complex traditional method known as Tiao Sha: the addition of sand. The clay is first fired at a low temperature, then ground and sieved before being re-mixed with raw clay.
About the shape
The name Shui Ping (??) combines the characters for "water" (?) and "level/balanced" (?). Developed in the 16th century during the late Ming dynasty, the Shui Ping teapot has since become a classic.
Modern Shui Ping teapots feature a low center of gravity, with the handle, spout, and lid knob aligned on a single horizontal line.
An introduction to Chaozhou clay teapots and detailed information can be found
here.
