This teapot is one of the many that we've stockpiled from several productions we sponsored in support of Mr. Zhang's work during the slowdown caused by the pandemic. The local market for art and crafts came to halt and many artists and artisans suffered during that period and still do as we very slowly resurface at the other end of the ordeal. On a more positive note, this gave us an opportunity to work more closely with many of our collaborators and some, like Mr. Zhang, executed some of their best work as exemplified by this stunning teapot. As with all of Mr. Zhang's work, the shape and execution are flawless right down to the fit of the lid and the alignment of spout, handle and lid knob. As if blessed by the gods, the wood-firing process magnified the perfect shape of the pot with one of the most stunning golden shades and high gloss. The pot adorns a deep and uniform lustrous sheen. These aesthetic characteristics are purely accidental and the result of elements contained in the clay fusing during the firing process. Zhang's now customary use of a blend of Miaoli clay and porcelain must have played its part with this result. We also like the higher ring-shaped handle that makes the handling of the pot a joy and helps in extending a finger to hold the lid when pouring. The short straight spout with a generous diameter allows quick pours as it is customary in the art of Taiwanese-style tea making. The pot's proportions and size along with its 3 mm wall-thickness make it a perfect vessel for gongfu style tea-making intended for both lighter fragrant teas or darker, baked or charcoal-fired oolong teas. The end material is dense with very low porosity that doesn't dull more fragrant teas. Needless to say, this pot uniquel. What you see in the pictures is what you will get. Handmade in Taiwan.