Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 160ml - Jun De

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 Jun De (君德) DesignIn Chinese culture, "Jun" (君) refers to a gentleman or a person of noble character, while "De" (德) translates to virtue, morality, or integrity. The "Jun De" teapot embodies the dignified, upright, and humble qualities of a true gentleman. It serves not just as a vessel for tea, but as a symbolic reminder to cultivate inner peace and good virtues during the mindful practice of tea brewing.This teapot features a classic silhouette. It is characterized by a stable, wide base that tapers gracefully toward the rim, offering a balanced and elegant visual appeal. The short, straight spout ensures a crisp, powerful pour, while the well-proportioned loop handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.Crafted from premium Zhuni—this teapot boasts a beautifully smooth, finely textured surface with a rich, warm reddish-orange hue. The clay is famous for its notoriously high shrinkage rate during the kiln firing process, so shaping it perfectly by hand takes real skill. With regular daily use, the naturally lustrous surface will quickly develop a stunning, deep, and glass-like patina.Original Ore Zhuni (原矿朱泥) ClayMade 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.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 160ml capacity — classic gongfu size Fully handmade by Chuanyong Yao 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 Jun De for the gongfu tea table — and a fine example of traditional Yixing craftsmanship.