F1 Shipiao Teapot

Name: F1 Shipiao Teapot (Stone Gourd Ladle)

Year: mid to late 80s (white label)

Volume: 73 +/- ml

Material:  Tiao Sha Zini. High-fired.

Seal: 一勺之水多 孟臣 Lit. A spoonful of water is more. Mengchen.

Handle: Rong Ji

Lid: Rong Ji

Filter:  Single hole (filter included)

Pouring time: 10s +/-

(F1 Shipiao Teapot)

This teapot is part of a set of ten different-shaped teapots and clays made by Factory One. 

This teapot has some usage. So, no need to pre-season it, you can use it directly. 

This clay usually goes well with darker teas, high roasted Oolongs, wet-stored Sheng Puer or old Puer, Shu Puer, Liubao, etc. However, it might do well with other teas. You can compare it against porcelain to decide which teas brew well.

When buying a Factory One pot, be aware that: generally speaking, these teapots do not possess the same level of craftsmanship as many modern teapots. Please note that factory One pots are half-handmade.

You can expect some natural kiln cracks on the (outer) surface of the clay, not perfectly aligned spout, knob and handle. In addition to some tooling marks on the lid and mouth of the teapot, etc. Also, other natural signs from the kiln, i.e. black spots, which are iron oxide that melted during the firing. Additionally, finding mica chips, which look like tiny, shiny metal spots and are silvery in appearance, inside and outside the teapot, is common for these teapots. Another common trait is the presence of larger sand grains protruding on the surface of the clay, which push their way out during firing as the material contracts.

When it comes to lid craftsmanship, it is rare to find a perfect fit. The lid tends to be slightly loose and may drip when pouring.

Note: You can read more about Tiao Sha here