Yixing, Jiangsu (November 22, 2006) Yixing is
situated 120 miles northwest of Shanghai in Jiangsu
province. Today's outing is one of a kind. We are shopping
for "Purple Clay Pottery". Purple clay, also
known as zisha clay, contains iron, quartz and mica
and is found only in Yixing, Jiangsu, China. As tea
is being brewed inside the teapots over time, it absorbs
the tea flavor seasoning the clay and making the tea
flavor richer and richer over times. When we put the
tea cup on the left palm of our hand, turn the lid upside
down and gently hit the side of the cup, a crisp tinkel
bell sound is produced. While the genuine "purple
clay" claims to be unbreakable, we are not about
to test it. I bought a set of tea mugs (240 rmb) for
Bosco and me and a beautiful tea tray (underneath the
tray, there is a metal tray to catch water being spilled.
Cost is 220 rmb). Price of the pottery depends on the
quality of the clay and the artistry of the person who
made it. There is a huge selection to choose from. While
we were busy bargaining with the sales ladies, a couple
of Chinese men came in, stayed for about 15 minutes
and each bought a teapot for 5000 rmb. Now, whoever
says that women are big spenders?
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