Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 200ml - Zi Ye (Ziye Shi Piao / Stone Scoop)

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 Zi Ye (子冶石瓢) DesignZiye masterfully infused literati aesthetics into teapot design, emphasizing stark, straight lines and a stable, geometric triangular structure. In Chinese tea culture, this minimalist and structured design represents the upright, resilient, and unwavering character of a scholar.Crafted fully by hand, this teapot captures the core essence of the “Ziye” style. It features a wide base that elegantly tapers to a smaller opening, a straight spout for a powerful and clean pour, an angular ear-shaped handle, and a classic bridge knob. The teapot rests perfectly on three small "nail" feet, giving it a floating, elegant visual balance.Huangjin Duanni (Golden Duan Clay) is prized for its naturally bright, golden-yellow hue. The clay features a subtle, grainy texture reminiscent of golden sand, adding a rich tactile depth to any piece. Known for its excellent breathability, it readily absorbs the tea's essential oils. With regular use and careful seasoning, Golden Duanni develops a stunning, warm, and glowing patina, making it a distinct favorite among tea enthusiasts and collectors alike.Huangjin Duanni (黄金段泥) ClayFully handmade from Huangjin Duanni, a golden duan clay prized for its naturally bright, golden-yellow hue. With regular use and careful seasoning, it develops a warm, glowing patina, making it a distinct favorite among tea enthusiasts.Meet the Artisan: Chuanyong Yao (姚传永)This teapot is made by Chuanyong Yao and is fully handmade (全手工): no moulds, just hand-pounded clay slabs, the traditional Yixing way.Born in 1986, Yao has spent fifteen years at the workbench mastering guang qi (光器), the plain traditional forms with no carving or decoration. With nothing to hide behind, every curve, spout and lid must be exactly right. In Yixing, it is said that a potter’s true skill shows in his plain pots.His pots are clean-lined, classically proportioned and made for daily use. The lids sit snug, the spouts pour clean, and with every brew the clay develops a patina that makes the pot entirely your own. Each pot carries his seal, 姚传永制 (“made by Chuanyong Yao”).Key Features 200ml capacity — classic gongfu size Fully handmade by Chuanyong Yao from Huangjin Duanni (Golden Duan Clay) Recommended for raw pu-erh, roasted oolong and white tea A classic Zi Ye for the gongfu tea table — and a fine example of traditional Yixing craftsmanship.