Making of Yixing Zisha Pots

Ever wonder how a Yixing zisha bonsai pot is made?

Here, let us show you the making of a 9"rectangular bonsai pot.  This pot is made of zini (紫泥, "purple clay").

Beat a block of zisha clay into a flat sheet

The walls and bottom of the bonsai pot are cut out from the clay sheet.

The pieces are assembled and held together with a mixture of water and clay. Here, a spatula is often used.

The pot is smoothen out and polished with tools made of wood and buffalo horn.

In order to keep zisha clay’s porous nature, glaze is rarely painted on the zisha pots. In addition, no chemical additive is added to the zisha clay during the production process.

The zisha bonsai pot is taken to the kiln, fired at 1,180-1,300 degree Celsius for 30-40 hours. Different temperature and time period render different colors of zisha clay. Compare with porcelain and stoneware that need a very high temperature to mature, Yixing zisha bonsai pots are fired at a relatively lower temperature and display the greatly advantageous quality of enduring sudden extreme temperature changes.

Learn More About ...

The Advantages of Using Yixing Zisha Pots
Preparing the Yixing Zisha Clay