Yixing Teapots
Yixing teapots are small, unglazed teapots made from clay originating from Yixing, China. Compared to regular teapots, they are traditionally smaller in size and designed for brewing tea with a high leaf-to-water ratio. This method is often accompanied by a pitcher and small tasting cups on a tea tray.
Unlike glazed ceramic teapots, Yixing teapots are left unglazed. Their porous and slightly rough surface allows the clay to absorb tea oils over time, making the teapot naturally “breathable” and gradually enhancing the depth and character of the tea with continued use.
Authentic Yixing teapots are always made from zisha clay (also known as “purple clay”), which develops a classic brown-purple surface after firing. Other Yixing clay types include Duanni (yellow), Zhu Ni (red-brown), Lu Ni (green-blue), and Hei Ni (black). Each clay type offers its own visual character and brewing qualities.
Further details about the benefits of zisha teapots, as well as guidance on how to use, clean, and care for Yixing teapots, can be found in the FAQ section below.
A teapot that breathes, remembers, and evolves with every infusion.
FAQ
THE BENEFITS OF USING YIXING TEAPOTS
Yixing teapots are traditional Chinese teapots made from unglazed zisha (purple clay) from Yixing, China. Although still unfamiliar to many tea drinkers, they are highly valued for both their artistic beauty and functional benefits.
WHY USE A YIXING TEAPOT FOR TEA PREPARATION?
- Appreciating art
Handmade Yixing teapots are unique works of ceramic art. Brewing tea in a teapot you truly enjoy adds an aesthetic and emotional dimension to the tea ritual. Beyond technical details, the best teapot is one you love using every day.
- Excellent heat retention
Yixing teapots retain heat better than most other types of teaware. This makes them especially suitable for oolong tea, pu erh tea, and aged white tea.
- Improving flavor over time
Because Yixing teapots are unglazed, the clay gradually absorbs the fragrance of the tea brewed inside. When dedicated to one type of tea, a Yixing teapot can enhance aroma and depth over time.
YIXING TEAPOT MARKS AND ARTISTS
Yixing teapots are made by ceramic artists. Some craft teapots as a hobby, while others are professionally certified and make a living from their work.
All Yixing teapots sold on JiangnanSourcing.com are made by certified zisha artists whose names appear in the national database of Yixing artists.
Like painters signing artwork, Yixing artists carve or stamp an artist mark on one or more areas of the teapot.
- Most teapots have at least one mark, usually on the bottom
- Additional marks may appear on the handle, inside the lid, or inside the teapot
- Artist marks usually contain four Chinese characters
Three represent the artist’s name
One means “made by”
Each teapot from Jiangnan Sourcing includes a certificate of authenticity bearing the same artist mark.
HOW TO BREW TEA IN A YIXING TEAPOT
- Place the teapot on a tea tray
- Rinse and warm the teapot with hot water
- Add tea leaves
- Pour hot water into the teapot and close the lid
- Pour hot water over the outside of the teapot
- Decant tea into a pitcher
- Pour into small cups
- Repeat until the final infusion
CARING FOR A YIXING TEAPOT
Proper care allows your Yixing teapot to develop a natural patina and improve tea flavor over time.
- Seasoning
Teapots from Jiangnan Sourcing do not require seasoning. For teapots from other sources, gently remove loose clay, boil in plain water for 15 minutes, and air-dry completely.
- Dedication
Always dedicate one teapot to one type of tea to allow consistent aroma absorption.
- Cleaning
Rinse with hot water only. Never use soap or detergent. Allow to air-dry completely. A soft microfiber cloth may be used.
WHERE TO BUY AUTHENTIC YIXING TEAPOTS
Buying an authentic Yixing teapot can be challenging. Platforms focused on low prices and high volume often sell low-quality or fake products.
JiangnanSourcing.com offers a curated selection of authentic Yixing teapots made by certified artists. Each teapot is curated by in-house experts and includes a certificate of authenticity.
