As a Kung Fu practitioner, I can understand the level of time commitment it would take to craft with such expertise. At first I was quite skeptical on whether this pot would enhance my tea experience. I have never used a Yixing clay pot before. Then I took my first sip. Oh yeah, forever a fan of this. Not only was the aroma heightened but the taste had a new dimension. I’m hooked. Every time I make a new batch I smile with delight on the taste, the experience, the feel, and my admiration of the skill level to craft such an item. No regrets here. In fact, I’d like to see if my class would chip in as a present to our Shaolin Grandmaster one day for all that he has taught us and the rest of the western hemisphere. I will be back for another purchase one day.