Yixing Zisha Teapot 300cc – Duan Clay – Purple Bamboo Xishi Tea

Clay, shape, and pour: the three things that matter, all present here. Sized at 300cc, it is built for small gatherings of two or three.

The clay is duan clay that brews a soft, mellow cup. The bamboo form keeps the profile distinctive without getting in the way of the pour. What I like: good firing gives the clay a clear ring when tapped. Shoulder leaves room for leaves to swirl and expand. What I like: walls hold heat well through multiple steepings. In practice, brew, rinse, repeat — the pot handles the rest. Brew, rinse, repeat — the pot handles the rest, as it should be. The compact size means less water wasted warming the pot — a small thing, but it matters every session.

The pot is ready when you are — just add leaves and hot water. Pair it with a small fairness pitcher and two cups, and the session is complete. You could do far worse for a daily gongfu pot.