Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 160ml / 200ml - Rong Tian

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 Rong Tian (容天壶) DesignThe name "Rong Tian" translates to "Accommodating Heaven" or "Broad-Minded." The design is deeply inspired by the Maitreya Buddha (often known in the West as the Laughing Buddha), who is famous in Chinese culture for having a large belly that can "accommodate all the difficult things in the world." Owning and using this teapot symbolizes a magnanimous spirit, open-mindedness, and a peaceful, accepting approach to life.This elegant 160ml teapot features a beautifully plump, stable, and minimalist profile. The short, robust spout provides an incredibly smooth and powerful pour, while the perfectly proportioned ear-shaped handle ensures a comfortable grip. It is fully handmade from premium Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni—a highly prized, rare vermilion clay famous for its high shrinkage rate and high difficulty in firing. This specific clay gives the teapot a rich, vibrant reddish-orange hue and a remarkably fine texture. With regular use, the clay will quickly develop a brilliant, glossy patina.Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni (小煤窑朱泥) ClayCrafted from Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni, a prized vermilion clay from Yixing. This clay is known for its high shrinkage during firing, which demands great skill to shape fully by hand without warping. It fires to a smooth, lustrous, warm reddish-orange surface that develops a rich patina with regular use.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 Available in 160ml / 200ml — classic gongfu sizes Fully handmade by Chuanyong Yao from Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni (Premium Vermilion Clay) Recommended for aromatic teas: young raw pu-erh, light oolongs such as Tieguanyin and Dancong, and black tea A classic Rong Tian for the gongfu tea table — and a fine example of traditional Yixing craftsmanship.