Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 160ml - Gao Shi Piao
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 Gao Shi Piao (高石瓢) Design
"Gao Shi Piao" is a graceful variation of the legendary "Shi Piao" design. Originally inspired by the heavy stone dippers used in ancient China to boil water, the classic Shi Piao is known for its stable, pyramid-like shape. The "Tall" (Gao) version elongates this profile, exchanging some of the rugged heaviness for a sense of upward elegance and refined scholarly taste. The stable triangular structure symbolizes steadfastness and inner strength, while the smooth, upward-reaching lines represent continuous personal growth.
This 160ml teapot perfectly captures the geometric beauty of the classic design. It rests stably on three subtle "nail" feet, featuring a straight, powerful spout for a powerful pour, and a traditional bridge-shaped knob on the lid. The clay used is the highly sought-after "Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni" (Little Coal Mine Vermilion Clay), famous for its rich, warm reddish-orange hue and extremely fine texture. Because Zhuni clay has a high shrinkage rate during the kiln firing process, handcrafting such precise, straight geometric lines without warping requires masterful skill.
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
- 160ml capacity — classic gongfu size
- 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 Gao Shi Piao 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 Gao Shi Piao (高石瓢) Design
"Gao Shi Piao" is a graceful variation of the legendary "Shi Piao" design. Originally inspired by the heavy stone dippers used in ancient China to boil water, the classic Shi Piao is known for its stable, pyramid-like shape. The "Tall" (Gao) version elongates this profile, exchanging some of the rugged heaviness for a sense of upward elegance and refined scholarly taste. The stable triangular structure symbolizes steadfastness and inner strength, while the smooth, upward-reaching lines represent continuous personal growth.
This 160ml teapot perfectly captures the geometric beauty of the classic design. It rests stably on three subtle "nail" feet, featuring a straight, powerful spout for a powerful pour, and a traditional bridge-shaped knob on the lid. The clay used is the highly sought-after "Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni" (Little Coal Mine Vermilion Clay), famous for its rich, warm reddish-orange hue and extremely fine texture. Because Zhuni clay has a high shrinkage rate during the kiln firing process, handcrafting such precise, straight geometric lines without warping requires masterful skill.
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
- 160ml capacity — classic gongfu size
- 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 Gao Shi Piao 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 - Gao Shi Piao