Yixing Zisha Teapot 210cc – Purple Clay – Shipiao Long Handle Tea – Three Legs

The shape tells you how it pours before you ever lift it. Check the photos for the three legs; it is finished neatly and sits naturally in the design. The gray clay reads even better in person than in the photos. This is a 210cc pot, made for solo gongfu sessions.

The body is purple clay that brews a softer, rounder cup than porcelain. Shaped around the shipiao idea, the design stays balanced and easy to handle. What I like: the material is the whole story here — everything else follows from the clay. Ball-filter strainer behind the spout handles fine leaves the traditional way, which is exactly what you want in a daily brewer. Lid and body were clearly made for each other — the fit tells you. With regular use the surface takes on a soft sheen no polish can fake; it is the kind of detail you only get from handmade work. One detail worth noting: daily use is the whole point — this pot was made for it.

A fine addition to a growing collection or a strong first pot. It is the sort of pot that makes you want to brew more often. It is ready to join your tea table the day it arrives. The pot is ready when you are — just add leaves and hot water.