Yixing Zisha Teapot 220cc – Red Clay – Purple Beauty Xishi Tea

You will notice the proportions first — everything else follows from them. It holds 220cc, which is plenty for solo gongfu sessions.

The clay is red clay, a warm-toned classic of the Yixing kilns. The porous body breathes, which is why these pots improve with age — simple, and exactly right. Shoulder leaves room for leaves to swirl and expand — simple, and exactly right. Look closely and lid fits snugly, with no wobble or rattle when you tilt to pour. Let it air-dry with the lid off between sessions — a small thing, but it matters every session. It turns out let it air-dry with the lid off between sessions. The matte surface shows the clay's natural grain, with no glaze or coating, which makes daily brewing just a little easier.

Every tea table needs a pot like this: reliable, honest, and good-looking. It packs well for travel too — small pots are the easiest to bring along.