The Zisha clay contains minerals which naturally produce a variety of earthy hues, ranging from pale golden yellow to a soothing shade of deep purple. Left unglazed, the clay absorbs the natural wholesome flavour of infused tea leaves. Each Yixing Teapots is seasoned over time. Small pores in the clay, combined with the low shrinkage rate, allow the pottery makers to create a tight fitting lid for each teapot; and Zisha clay is also able to retain heat.

With only about 4 per cent water absorption rate, very low thermal conductivity, and a double air-hole design, Yixing Zisha teapots easily uphold their reputation as the best tea brewing vessels among lovers of Chinese tea art and collectors of teapots, explained He.

“Zisha pottery art has long been relegated to a small number of collectors. With this project, we hope to make the ancient art more popular among ordinary Chinese,” said He. An interactive online programme will enable art lovers to participate in the initial design of unique Purple Clay Teapots. But the teapots will eventually be made in pottery studios in Yixing, cradle of Zisha pottery.

As part of the celebrations for the 700th anniversary of Italian adventurer Marco Polo’s travels and life in ancient China, the month-long solo photo show was held at the Ningbo Museum of Modern Arts which has four exhibits by Pellegrini.

Entitled “88 Veils of Enchanting Venice: myths & magic masks Yixing teapot,” the photo exhibition gave an impressive portrait of Venice by combining the elements of its heritage, such as carnival masks and local crafts.