Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 180ml - Xu Bian
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 Xu Bian (虚扁) Design
"Xu Bian" (虚扁) is one of the most classic and highly revered shapes in Yixing pottery. The name translates to "Hollow Flat" or "Illusionary Flat." In Chinese culture, the concept of "Xu" (emptiness) reflects the Daoist philosophy of "Xu Huai Ruo Gu" (having a mind as open as a valley). It symbolizes humility, openness, and a peaceful state of mind.
Crafting a "Xu Bian" teapot requires exceptional skill. Its signature extremely flattened body is notoriously difficult to shape and prone to collapsing or warping during the high-temperature firing process. This is especially true when using high-shrinkage Zhuni clay. This piece is fully handmade, showcasing masterful control. The teapot features a sleek, elegant profile with a seamlessly integrated spout and a graceful ear-shaped handle that ensures a comfortable grip and a crisp, smooth pour.
Zhu Ni (along with the broader Hong Ni family) is known for its delicate texture and striking appearance. After firing, it features a beautiful color that ranges from bright orange to deep red. When showered with hot water, the clay beautifully comes alive, quickly flushing to a vibrant, bright red that sometimes exhibits a subtle, wandering purple glow.
Original Ore Zhuni (原矿朱泥) Clay
Made from original ore Zhuni, a natural vermilion clay from Yixing. After firing, it shows a striking color ranging from bright orange to deep red, and flushes to a vivid red when rinsed with hot water. Dense and fine-textured, Zhuni presents a tea’s aroma cleanly and holds heat well through the brew.
Key Features
- 180ml capacity — classic gongfu size
- Fully handmade from Original Ore Zhuni (Vermilion Clay)
- Recommended for aromatic teas: young raw pu-erh, light oolongs such as Tieguanyin and Dancong, and black tea
A classic Xu Bian 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 Xu Bian (虚扁) Design
"Xu Bian" (虚扁) is one of the most classic and highly revered shapes in Yixing pottery. The name translates to "Hollow Flat" or "Illusionary Flat." In Chinese culture, the concept of "Xu" (emptiness) reflects the Daoist philosophy of "Xu Huai Ruo Gu" (having a mind as open as a valley). It symbolizes humility, openness, and a peaceful state of mind.
Crafting a "Xu Bian" teapot requires exceptional skill. Its signature extremely flattened body is notoriously difficult to shape and prone to collapsing or warping during the high-temperature firing process. This is especially true when using high-shrinkage Zhuni clay. This piece is fully handmade, showcasing masterful control. The teapot features a sleek, elegant profile with a seamlessly integrated spout and a graceful ear-shaped handle that ensures a comfortable grip and a crisp, smooth pour.
Zhu Ni (along with the broader Hong Ni family) is known for its delicate texture and striking appearance. After firing, it features a beautiful color that ranges from bright orange to deep red. When showered with hot water, the clay beautifully comes alive, quickly flushing to a vibrant, bright red that sometimes exhibits a subtle, wandering purple glow.
Original Ore Zhuni (原矿朱泥) Clay
Made from original ore Zhuni, a natural vermilion clay from Yixing. After firing, it shows a striking color ranging from bright orange to deep red, and flushes to a vivid red when rinsed with hot water. Dense and fine-textured, Zhuni presents a tea’s aroma cleanly and holds heat well through the brew.
Key Features
- 180ml capacity — classic gongfu size
- Fully handmade from Original Ore Zhuni (Vermilion Clay)
- Recommended for aromatic teas: young raw pu-erh, light oolongs such as Tieguanyin and Dancong, and black tea
A classic Xu Bian 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 180ml - Xu Bian