11/
22/06

> Blocking the venting hole may be the most popular method of testing a
> zisha teapot, however, the airtightness of a teapot may not be the most
> important factor in selecting our teapot.
>
> In the art of preparing Chinese tea, we do not purposefully block the
> flow of water by covering the air vent. The blocking of the vent and
> the halt of the flow would create a sudden and disruptive impact to the
> whole process. The entire process of preparing tea should be smooth
> and display a feeling of serenity. Timing should not be controlled
> this way.
>
> Then why do we use this test? It tries to measure the level of
> craftsmanship--particularily the tightness and tolerance of the teapot.
> However, in todays production environment where machinery can be used
> to aid in manufacture of teapots, the tolerances can easily be very
> high, but without much craftsmanship at all. The most important impact
> is that the clay used in wholly machine-manufactured teapots are
> inferior.
>
> So what should we look for in a teapot? Well, as long as our tea does
> not pour out from under the lid before it even comes out of the spout,
> we should consider a few other things.
>
> As many people have mentioned, ergonomics are definitely at the top of
> the list. Balance in an instrument creates comfort and useability.
> Front, or spout heavy teapots cause strain on the wrist. Other issues
> of alignment and basic design help with ergonomics and are generally
> common sense, so I won't drag on here.
>
> The most important factor is the quality of the clay. The pureness of
> the zisha clay and the proper firing of the clay at adequate
> temperatures is what directly affects the flavor of your infusion. The
> airtightness and ergonomics can affect your brewing technique, and
> subsequently affect your tea. The clay's direct contact with tea,
> directly affects the outcome of your brew.
>
> How do you look for good clay? That's another article. Let me know if
> you want to read more.
>
> Bill
> www.chinaflairtea.com

Hi Bill,

Based on your cogent, intelligent, and thoughtful
prose above, I look forward to more about clay.
Be as specific as you feel you can be without
causing our eyes to lose focus. Thanks.

Michael