Handmade Yixing Purple Clay (Zisha) Teapot 160ml - Gao Shi Piao

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 Gao Shi Piao (高石瓢) Design"Gao Shi Piao" is a graceful variation of the legendary "Shi Piao" design. Originally inspired by the heavy stone dippers used in ancient China to boil water, the classic Shi Piao is known for its stable, pyramid-like shape. The "Tall" (Gao) version elongates this profile, exchanging some of the rugged heaviness for a sense of upward elegance and refined scholarly taste. The stable triangular structure symbolizes steadfastness and inner strength, while the smooth, upward-reaching lines represent continuous personal growth.This 160ml teapot perfectly captures the geometric beauty of the classic design. It rests stably on three subtle "nail" feet, featuring a straight, powerful spout for a powerful pour, and a traditional bridge-shaped knob on the lid. The clay used is the highly sought-after "Xiao Mei Yao Zhuni" (Little Coal Mine Vermilion Clay), famous for its rich, warm reddish-orange hue and extremely fine texture. Because Zhuni clay has a high shrinkage rate during the kiln firing process, handcrafting such precise, straight geometric lines without warping requires masterful skill.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 160ml capacity — classic gongfu size 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 Gao Shi Piao for the gongfu tea table — and a fine example of traditional Yixing craftsmanship.