Profile

Gongfu Magic: Picking the Perfect Clay Teapot

IDiscover our array of authentic yixing teapots. Each is handcrafted and designed for gongfu steeping.
IDiscover our array of authentic yixing teapots. Each is handcrafted and designed for gongfu steeping.
Handmade in China, our Gu Teapot is in the Fang Gu or
Handmade in China, our Gu Teapot is in the Fang Gu or "Drum" style and made from dark Zi Ni (Purple Clay). This classic design features a stout body and wide mouth with an unadorned handle and spout. With a max capacity of 230 ml, it is ideal for gong fu style brewing black and pu erh teas. Though it can be used for all types of tea.

When it comes to teaware for gongfu style brewing, picking the perfect clay teapot can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, and if you go into it blind without any prior research, you might end up spending a lot of money on a low-quality pot. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about clay teapots to help you make the most informed purchase.

Type of Clay

The first important factor to consider is the type of clay. The type of claypot you should use depends entirely on the types of tea you want to brew. Some clays are suited for various teas, while others are perfect for just one kind. Several factors must be considered, including the heat retention of the clays and their mineral sharpening and softening characteristics. The most commonly used and sold clays include Yixing, Duanni (Yixing), Jianshui, Chaozhou, Tokoname, and ZiNi (Purple Clay).

Yixing

There are a few main types of Yixing clay, each with different names: ZiNi, Zisha (a purplish-brown clay), Banshanlu (a buff-colored clay), Zhusha (a deep orange-red clay), and Duanni. Masters Teas stocks many pots made from different kinds of Yixing clay, including our Zhao & Ke Pots made of Zhusha, Shuye, Shufa, and Caodi pots made from Zisha, Gu pot made from ZiNi, and Zhenzhu pots made of Banshanlu.

Zisha is very softening and rounding. Its mineral content can change the flavor of teas steeped using it, but you will lose some of the tea's brightness.

  • Banshanlu: Used to make our Zhenzhu teapot, it is ideal for gongfu style brewing oolongs due to its large size, allowing tea leaves more space to unfurl.
  • Jianshui: Does a fantastic job of softening and rounding, making your teas feel more balanced overall, often resulting in a more transparent flavor.
  • Chaozhou: Helps to slightly soften teas steeped in it, changing flavors due to its mineral content but preserving much of the tea's brightness.
  • Tokoname: Commonly used for Japanese teaware like kyusus (Japanese teapots with a side handle). It is the least softening, as this is not typically desired for Japanese green teas. If unglazed, some flavor changes will occur while preserving brightness.

Type of Production

There are various production methods for clay pots, including slip-cast, half-handmade, and fully handmade:

  • Slip-Cast: Uses molds and injects watered-down clay into them, then assembles the pieces. This method is the cheapest.
  • Half-Handmade: Uses molds and hand-bashed clay to create predefined shapes, offering consistency and large-scale production.
  • Fully Handmade: Crafted entirely by a master potter, resulting in more variation between pots. This method is the most expensive and uses the highest quality clay.

Capacity

If you will be brewing solo, choose a pot between 75-180ml. For groups, opt for something between 150-230ml. Larger pots move out of the gongfu style and may require more tea leaves per session, using up your teas quickly.

Functionality

Consider the shape, the placement of the air hole on the lid, the size and shape of the handle, and the size of the pot's opening. A larger opening is preferable for ease of adding and removing tea leaves and cleaning. While unique or novelty designs can be tempting, simpler designs tend to be more functional.

  • Pour: The pot should have a balanced, clean, and fast pour. Ball filters tend not to clog as easily as flat filters. Ideally, look for filters with 7+ holes. Avoid pots with drippy spouts, as they indicate poorer quality.
  • Pour Speed: A fast pour is crucial to ensure the leaves aren’t in contact with water longer than necessary. Smaller spouts and filters with fewer holes pour slower, while longer spouts and filters with more holes pour faster.

Aesthetics

Since you’ll use this pot frequently, you’ll want it to take pride of place in your collection. Consider the overall shape, clay color, spout shape, handle, and lid. Ideally, the highest point of the handle, the rim of the pot opening, and the tip of the spout should be at the same level.

Feel

Consider the texture and weight of the pot. Some prefer a matte finish that shows signs of use, while others prefer a glossy, smooth texture. Ensure the pot feels well-made, with a well-fitted lid that doesn’t rattle or move excessively. The clay’s firing and composition can affect this.

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect clay pot.