neri&hu | Zisha Tea Project

The ZiSha Tea Project came out of an exploration of different materials for tea vessels. The significance of the ZiSha cup is the purity of the material, which is preserved through its subdued and simple form – an abstraction of the traditional teacup. The collection is offered in 8 different natural colors of ZiSha, deliberately mixed together to offer a visual palette which directs the user to appreciate the material of purple clay as tea connoisseurs appreciate different types of teas – through an appreciation of color, texture, taste, and body.

ZiSha (literally, “purple sand”), was discovered around Lake Tai, in the JiangSu province of China. Aside from the beauty of the natural material, ZiSha is renowned for its capacity to retain heat and prevent oxidation, therefore preserving the flavor of the tea for a longer period. It is also known for its ability to absorb the delicate flavors of the tea – allowing the teapot to become more seasoned with each use. It is said that after years of use, one can brew tea by simply pouring boiling water into an empty teapot.