Chinese Yixing Clay Teapots

About Yixing clay teapots

Yixing clay teapots (also called zisha, or purple clay teapots) are made in the Yixing region of Jiangsu province, China, and have been used for tea for more than 500 years. Each pot in our collection is shaped by hand by skilled potters using methods that have been handed down for generations.

Yixing clay is porous, so over time it absorbs a little of the tea you brew in it. The pot gradually develops a patina, and many drinkers find it rounds out the flavour of the tea it's dedicated to.

Choosing Your Ideal Yixing Clay Teapot

When selecting the perfect Yixing teapot, consider both your brewing style and tea preferences:

Teapot Shape and Tea Pairings

Different teapot shapes complement specific tea types:

Taller Teapots: Excellent for pu-erh teas and aged white teas. The height provides superior heat retention, bringing out the deep, complex notes of these aged teas.

Wide-Bellied Teapots: Ideal for oolong teas. The spacious interior allows large oolong leaves to fully unfurl, releasing their rich flavours and aromas.

Note: Green teas are generally not well-suited for Yixing clay teapots. For green teas, we recommend using a gaiwan or glass teapot instead, which better preserve their delicate flavours.

Size Considerations

Our collection features teapots ranging from 150ml to 240ml, suitable for:

150ml: Perfect for solo gongfu brewing sessions or when sharing premium teas with one other person.

200–240ml: Ideal for small group tea sessions while maintaining the concentrated brewing style of gongfu cha.

About this collection

The pots here range from plain, traditional shapes to more decorative pieces. Every one is handmade, so each is slightly different and stock is limited, usually a single pot per design. If one catches your eye, it's worth picking it up while it's in stock.

Caring for Your Yixing Clay Teapot

To keep your pot in good condition:

Season before first use - Follow our guide on seasoning Yixing teapots to prepare your teapot properly.

Dedicate to one tea type - For best results, use your teapot exclusively for a single tea category (like oolong, pu-erh, or black tea).

Clean with water only - Never use soap or detergents, as they can damage the clay and affect flavour.

Allow to dry completely - After each use, leave the lid off until the teapot is fully dry.

With regular use and a bit of care, a Yixing pot becomes very much your own, and tends to brew its dedicated tea better the longer you use it.