Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 160ml / 200ml - Rong Tian
A purple clay teapot is a type of handmade pottery originating from Yixing, China. Made from rare and natural purple clay, these teapots are prized for enhancing the flavor and aroma of tea while offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. The unique properties of Zisha (purple clay) make it ideal for brewing fine teas.
The Rong Tian (容天壶) Design
The name "Rong Tian" translates to "Accommodating Heaven" or "Broad-Minded." The design is deeply inspired by the Maitreya Buddha (often known in the West as the Laughing Buddha), who is famous in Chinese culture for having a large belly that can "accommodate all the difficult things in the world." Owning and using this teapot symbolizes a magnanimous spirit, open-mindedness, and a peaceful, accepting approach to life.
This elegant 160ml teapot features a beautifully plump, stable, and minimalist profile. The short, robust spout provides an incredibly smooth and powerful pour, while the perfectly proportioned ear-shaped handle ensures a comfortable grip. It is fully handmade from premium Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni—a highly prized, rare vermilion clay famous for its high shrinkage rate and high difficulty in firing. This specific clay gives the teapot a rich, vibrant reddish-orange hue and a remarkably fine texture. With regular use, the clay will quickly develop a brilliant, glossy patina.
Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni (小煤窑朱泥) Clay
Crafted from Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni, a prized vermilion clay from Yixing. This clay is known for its high shrinkage during firing, which demands great skill to shape fully by hand without warping. It fires to a smooth, lustrous, warm reddish-orange surface that develops a rich patina with regular use.
Key Features
- Available in 160ml / 200ml — classic gongfu sizes
- Fully handmade from Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni (Premium Vermilion Clay)
- Recommended for aromatic teas: young raw pu-erh, light oolongs such as Tieguanyin and Dancong, and black tea
A classic Rong Tian for the gongfu tea table — and a fine example of traditional Yixing craftsmanship.
Gongfu style (recommended)
5–7 g of leaf per 100 ml, water at 95–100 °C. Rinse once for about 5 seconds and pour it away. Start with 10–15 second infusions and add a few seconds each round. Good pu-erh gives 10 or more infusions.
Western style
3 g per 250 ml cup, water at 95–100 °C, steep 3–5 minutes.
Storage
Keep the cake in a clean, dry place away from sunlight and strong smells.
Free shipping on orders over $70 USD.
We ship from our warehouses in Canada and China to 100+ countries. Orders from our Canada warehouse are usually packed and shipped within 48 hours. Orders shipped from China need about one week of processing. Delivery time depends on the shipping method you choose at checkout.
Some countries charge import duties. These are paid by the buyer.
Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 15 days. Sale items are final sale.
A purple clay teapot is a type of handmade pottery originating from Yixing, China. Made from rare and natural purple clay, these teapots are prized for enhancing the flavor and aroma of tea while offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. The unique properties of Zisha (purple clay) make it ideal for brewing fine teas.
The Rong Tian (容天壶) Design
The name "Rong Tian" translates to "Accommodating Heaven" or "Broad-Minded." The design is deeply inspired by the Maitreya Buddha (often known in the West as the Laughing Buddha), who is famous in Chinese culture for having a large belly that can "accommodate all the difficult things in the world." Owning and using this teapot symbolizes a magnanimous spirit, open-mindedness, and a peaceful, accepting approach to life.
This elegant 160ml teapot features a beautifully plump, stable, and minimalist profile. The short, robust spout provides an incredibly smooth and powerful pour, while the perfectly proportioned ear-shaped handle ensures a comfortable grip. It is fully handmade from premium Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni—a highly prized, rare vermilion clay famous for its high shrinkage rate and high difficulty in firing. This specific clay gives the teapot a rich, vibrant reddish-orange hue and a remarkably fine texture. With regular use, the clay will quickly develop a brilliant, glossy patina.
Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni (小煤窑朱泥) Clay
Crafted from Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni, a prized vermilion clay from Yixing. This clay is known for its high shrinkage during firing, which demands great skill to shape fully by hand without warping. It fires to a smooth, lustrous, warm reddish-orange surface that develops a rich patina with regular use.
Key Features
- Available in 160ml / 200ml — classic gongfu sizes
- Fully handmade from Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni (Premium Vermilion Clay)
- Recommended for aromatic teas: young raw pu-erh, light oolongs such as Tieguanyin and Dancong, and black tea
A classic Rong Tian for the gongfu tea table — and a fine example of traditional Yixing craftsmanship.
Gongfu style (recommended)
5–7 g of leaf per 100 ml, water at 95–100 °C. Rinse once for about 5 seconds and pour it away. Start with 10–15 second infusions and add a few seconds each round. Good pu-erh gives 10 or more infusions.
Western style
3 g per 250 ml cup, water at 95–100 °C, steep 3–5 minutes.
Storage
Keep the cake in a clean, dry place away from sunlight and strong smells.
Free shipping on orders over $70 USD.
We ship from our warehouses in Canada and China to 100+ countries. Orders from our Canada warehouse are usually packed and shipped within 48 hours. Orders shipped from China need about one week of processing. Delivery time depends on the shipping method you choose at checkout.
Some countries charge import duties. These are paid by the buyer.
Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 15 days. Sale items are final sale.
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Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 160ml / 200ml - Rong Tian