Yixing Teapot
Xu Bian

Zisha Hu 紫砂壶

Yixing teapots, also known as Zisha Hu (“purple clay teapot"), are made from the famous iron-rich purple clay of Yixing in Jiangsu province on the eastern coast of China. They are typically small: between 100ml to 300ml in volume, and come in a myriad different shapes and colours. Their compact size – perfect for Gongfu brewing – can be attributed to the fact that they were originally designed for use on the go. Traditionally these teapots are shaped using wooden and bamboo tools then oxidation fired at 1100 to 1200°C. Left unglazed, the porous surface of Zisha Hu slowly absorb the aromatic compounds and oils of the tea brewed in it, thereby seasoning the pot and enhancing the flavour of subsequent infusions. For this reason Yixing teapots are typically used to brew one type of tea only. Due to their excellent heat retention, they are particularly well suited for Pu Erh, Oolong and black teas that are brewed at high temperatures.