Origins and Identification of Yixing Zisha Clay

I have nearly twenty years of experience enjoying ceramics, including Yixing Zisha teapots. While I don’t claim to be a master, I have accumulated my own insights and observations, and I hope to share them with fellow enthusiasts. I plan to gradually share more of my experiences online to invite discussion and exchange with other collectors and tea lovers. For a full overview of Yixing Zisha teapots, including their history, features, and collecting value, see our Yixing Zisha Teapots Guide.

Today, let’s start with the clay used in Yixing teapots. Clay is the foundation of every teapot and one of the main reasons collectors and tea drinkers value them. Many questions arise:

• Is the clay truly Zisha?

• Is it Original Mountain (Benshan) clay or External Mountain (Waishan) clay?

• Could it be chemical or synthetic clay?

• Are rare clays like Tianqing Ni genuine?

Even within the industry, these questions are not always answered with certainty. Let us explore the origins and characteristics of Yixing clay for a clearer understanding.

---

1. Types and Sources of Clay

Benshan Clay (Original Mountain Clay)
Sourced from the Huanglongshan mines in Yixing, this clay has rich granules and a distinctive double-pore structure, often containing mica flakes. Higher-grade Benshan clay typically contains more mica.

Since the Huanglongshan mines are largely closed today, genuine Benshan clay represents only a small percentage of what circulates in the market. Many rare types are mainly preserved by long-standing families and artisans in the Zisha tradition.

Waishan Clay (External Mountain Clay)
Refers to clay from areas other than Huanglongshan, such as Taixi, Baoshan, Dazhutan (Da Shui Tan), Qinglongshan, Zhaozhuang, Chuanfu, Hongwei. Compared to Benshan clay, granules are coarser and less refined.

Many clays circulated as “rare” types—such as Benlv, Tianqing, or Dahon—are often Waishan clay or blended clay. Authentic Benshan versions are much less common.

Blended Clay (Tiaosha Clay)
Created by combining Benshan and Waishan clay without chemical additives. These blends aim to achieve specific effects, sometimes to imitate older or vintage teapots. For example, Tianxing clay is made by mixing Zisha with Taihu lake soil.

Blended clay is part of traditional practice and allows artisans to extend the creative range of Yixing ware.

Chemical or Synthetic Clay
Produced using ceramic soil, water glass, pigments, or heavy metals. These clays are often bright in color but are not suitable for tea brewing. With the wider availability of Waishan clay today, the need for chemical substitutes has decreased.

---

2. Major Types of Benshan Clay

Benshan clay is generally divided into three categories:

• Benshan Zisha (Purple Clay)

• Benshan Duan Clay (Duan / Compressed Clay)

• Benshan Red Clay (Zhuni / Red Clay), with Zhuni being one of its types

Even within each type, variations occur due to differences in mining location and clay refinement. For example:

Zisha (Purple Clay)

• Jingzhou Zisha (Jingzhou Zisha, named after a master artisan)

• Baimu Zisha (Baimu Zisha)

• Shenjing Old Zisha (Shenjing Old Zisha)

• Wenge Zisha (Wenge Zisha)

• Regular Zisha (Regular Zisha)

Duan Clay / Dicaoqing (Base Clay)

• Wusi Dicaoqing (Wusi Dicaoqing)

• Sihaojing Dicaoqing (Sihaojing Dicaoqing)

• Fangyuan Dicaoqing (Fangyuan Dicaoqing)

• Regular Dicaoqing (Regular Dicaoqing)

Tianqing Ni (Rare Clay)

• Xiangtao Tianqing (Brand “Xiangtao” Tianqing, Zhuni-based Tianqing)

• Yusha Zao Tianqing (Brand “Yusha Zao” Tianqing)

• Huanglongshan Tianqing (Huanglongshan Tianqing, rich granules)

• Dazhutan Tianqing (Dazhutan (Da Shui Tan) Tianqing, mica-rich, blue-green appearance)

• Taixi Tianqing (Taixi Tianqing)

• Regular Tianqing (Regular Tianqing, coarse, cement-like texture)

Zhuni (Red Clay)

• Mengchen Zhuni (Mengchen Zhuni)

• Qing Dynasty Zhuni (Qing Dynasty Zhuni)

• Yinchun Zhuni (Yinchun Zhuni, named after a master artisan)

• Zizhu Zhuni (Zizhu Zhuni)

• Longshan Zhuni (Longshan Zhuni)

• Zhuni Dahongpao (Zhuni Dahongpao)

• Huangjin Zhuni (Huangjin Zhuni)

• Regular Zhuni (Regular Zhuni)

---

3. How to Recognize Zisha Clay

Signs of Chemical Clay
Surfaces may appear overly glossy, emit odors when the lid is opened, and water beads instead of being absorbed.

Breathability
Pouring hot water into a Zisha teapot should show natural absorption without puddling.

Tea Retention Test
If brewed tea is left in the teapot for several days without developing an unpleasant smell, it suggests natural clay.

Aging and Granularity
Sandy clays like Zhuni develop well with use, forming a natural patina and slight color change over time; sticky clays like Dengpo are less suited for long-term brewing.

Firing and Composition
Iron-rich clays tend to darken with high-temperature firing, while aluminum-rich clays react differently. Clay with around 40 mesh granules is traditionally preferred for authentic teapots.

---

4. Importance of Understanding Clay

Understanding Zisha clay helps collectors and tea lovers appreciate the artistry and heritage of Yixing teapots. Studying clay types and qualities fosters deeper respect for both the material and craftsmanship involved.

At TeaCask, we place value on these details. Our Yixing Zisha teapots are selected from trusted workshops and artisans, balancing both tradition and usability.

👉 Explore our Yixing Zisha Collection to see a curated range of teapots crafted from different clay types, suitable for both collecting and daily tea preparation.

---

5. Next Article in the Series

In the next article, we will dive into Benshan Zini (Original Mountain Purple Clay), introducing its subtypes, characteristics, and why collectors and tea lovers highly value it.

👉 Read more: Benshan Zini – Yixing Zisha Teapots