Chaozhou Floating TeapotA perfect marriage of Chaozhou and Yixing could well be this: A classic Shui Ping ('balanced water') form pulled on the wheel from original clay of Huanglongshan. When done by the hands of a meticulous potter, is the result a body of pristine build with a lid so well fitted, it chimes together like magnets. Such a curious endeavour will get a few pot heads thinking. Then, to follow the hint by brewing within the Yixing clay a tea from the local

but with a rim in lieu of a handle—displays excellent synergy

most notably

the name Da Hong Pao is synonymous to the entire category of Wuyi Yan Cha

wood-firing also changes the surface of Yixing ware

and Wenshan

The first infusion surprises with a pale golden liquor

a more intense aromatic profile

Zhishe (知舍)

Rephrasing a famous movie quote: “GABA tea is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get

yet with a plump body that sits gently on the throat

which transforms to a more citrus-like sensation as it ramps up

he fires each batch of tea in the wok and rolls the leaves by hand