Tea is food for the soul. It deserves to be made in a worthy vessel by appreciative hands.
Nothing helps the devoted perfect the art of brewing tea more than Chinese Yixing clay teapots. Crafted from old-world materials, their unassuming style and flavor-enhancing design make any tea time a celebration.
Our recommendations for Best Chinese Yixing Clay Teapot:
- Black Sand Yixing Teapot: Yixing Black Chinese Teapot
- Classic Round Teapot: Chinese Yixing Natural Teapot
- Most Stylish: Yxhupot Chinese Yixing Black Clay Teapot
- Best High-Profile Pot: Yixing Zisha Barrel Teapot
- Great Yixing Tea Set: Queena Purple Clay Tea Set & Travel Bag
- Small and Portable Set: Queena Portable Yixing Zisha Tea Set
Traditional Yixing Clay Tea Pots Explained
Chinese Yixing Clay Teapots make the finest tea, but what inspired their development?
Here’s a quick primer.
Short History
Tea is an essential part of Chinese culture, a tradition everyone should enjoy regardless of their means or social status. Two distinct teapot styles emerged from a divergence of the 11th- and 12th-century Imperial Courts.
The ornate, bejeweled pots popular among Yuan Dynasty aristocrats were ostentatious and beyond the means of most citizens to afford.
The vanquished Song Dynasty, exiled by the Yuan, embraced a humble design inspired by the distinctive clay in their new home, the Yixing region. The handmade Yixing pot fast became a symbol of gentility, and the rest is history.
What is Yixing Clay?
Yixing clay is made from rocks mined in specific regions of Yixing. Collectively known as Zisha, meaning “purple sand,” it contains quartz, mica, iron, and other minerals that give these unglazed clay pots their unique flavor-enhancing properties and lustrous finish.
This clay can also be used for making tea pets, small creatures that bring good luck and keep you company while sipping your tea.
How Are Yixing Pots Made?
Yixing teapots are traditionally hand-made, not wheel-thrown. Clay is pounded into slabs and pieces are crafted by hand, a skill that takes years to refine.
Once formed, pots are dried to reduce moisture content before cutting the lid, guaranteeing a tight fit. The artist then adds the handle, spout, and decorative elements, and the pots are ready to fire. Yixing teapots are works of art.
I recommend you watch this short video that shows the process of making a beautiful Yixing teapot:
What Makes Yixing Clay Teapots Exceptional?
Here are a few things that make Yixing teapots must-haves:
Porosity, Seasoning, and Heat-Retention: Yixing pots are never glazed. The porous clay absorbs tea oils, influencing each pot’s flavor profile similar to how seasoning a cast iron pan gives food more complexity — after years of use, the intensity grows. And despite its porosity, Yixing clay is thick and retains heat, so second cups are as warm as the first.
Unpretentious Beauty: Yixing pots are aesthetically simple with graceful lines and a natural finish that evoke the very earth they came from. Their classic shapes were developed over time and are only thoughtfully changed. Pots have a beautiful, unmistakable luster and artistic charm that simply can’t be duplicated by any manufacturing process.
Authentic, Cultural Relevancy: Brewing tea for guests in a Yixing pot is a sign of respect, a way of embracing them as family. In a time when people are seeking authentic, grounding experiences, serving tea from a humble vessel reflects a shared culture and underscores our common bonds.
Ceremonial Value: Chinese tea ceremonies nurture both body and mind, a feat that requires reverence, not just a teabag and microwave. Vessels should reflect the best you can offer to yourself and your guests. Nothing is more practical and culturally appropriate than a genuine Yixing teapot, and you’re worth it.
What to Consider When Buying a Yixing Clay Tea Pot
If you’re purchasing your first Yixing teapot, you’re in for a treat. But the right features guarantee a lifestyle-friendly fit, so think about these as you shop.
Size
Yixing teapots come in sizes from a few ounces to 20 or more. Capacity should be ample enough to serve everyone gathered in one sitting.
Select the right volume by multiplying the size of your cups by the number of people you serve — size up a little if possible to accommodate guests. A good rule is to allow three ounces per person.
Design
Shape
Yixing teapots should be dedicated to brewing a single type of tea. The shape and height of a pot affect heat distribution and how tea leaves expand, so a complementary shape extracts more flavor.
Consider these guidelines:
Round teapots are perfect for unfermented or fermented oolong, white or green tea, producing a sweet, mellow brew.
Flat pots are best suited for black teas with short infusion times.
Square pots are best for full-bodied teas. Light oolongs may lose their subtle nuances.
Profile
Low-profile pots of any shape warm quickly but cool fast, so they’re best for teas with short infusion times.
High-profile pots are mostly used for green and white tea. They may compromise flavor unless they’re thick enough to discourage heat loss.
Lid and Knobs
Yixing teapots are precision-crafted, so lids should fit like a glove and neither rattle nor fall off when pouring. Knobs should feel secure in your hand.
Spouts
Spouts play a role in both pouring and infusion efficiency. They should be large enough to pour freely, allowing water to course over tea leaves, extracting greater flavor.
Handles
Handles should offer a good grip and enhance the balance of the pot, so it’s comfortable to lift and pours smoothly. Function is preferable to aesthetic value unless the pot is only decorative.
Filters
Most Yixing teapots have built-in ball filters at the base of the spout to contain loose leaves. A single-hole filter may be too constricting and slow the pour in all but the smallest pots. Mesh-type spouts with six or more holes filter efficiently and boost flavor.
Manufacturing Method
The best Yixing pots are handmade, but modern manufacturing techniques can speed the process, allowing for less expensive models.
They’re made 3 ways:
Handmade pots are artisan-crafted using traditional tools and techniques. They’re of the finest quality, but the price reflects the skill and time invested.
Semi-handmade pots are molded by machines and then expertly finished, producing a top-quality yet affordable pot.
Molded pots are mass-produced. Not as valuable as handmade pots, some are good quality if made with fine clay and will produce a better cup of tea than most porcelain teapots.
Clay Quality
Composition
Yixing teapots are made with three types of clay.
Zisha clay, purple sand, is exclusively from Yixing and of the highest quality. Mixed clay, or Pigni, may contain synthetic clay or natural clay from other regions. Artificial clay is synthetic and may not produce the qualities you expect in a Yixing teapot.
Color
Different color clays can be natural or produced by adding trace minerals or synthetic dye.
Zisha clay comes in colors other than purple, including:
- Red, or Hogni
- Purple/Brown, or Zini
- Green, or Luni
- Yellow, or Duani
- Black, or Wuni
Firing Temperature
Firing temperature affects porosity and flavor. Pots fired at low temperatures are thick, porous, and ideal for less aromatic brews. High-fired teapots are thinner, slightly less porous, and better at preserving fragrances. They also retain less heat, warming delicate teas without cooking them.
Best Chinese Yixing Clay Teapots Reviewed
Our list of best Yixing teapots is curated for a wide range of needs — we’re sure one will meet yours.
Black Sand Yixing Teapot: Yixing Black Chinese Teapot
Here is one of the best Chinese teapots available on Amazon and it’s made of black Yixing clay. Handcrafted, each is unique and naturally exquisite with a subtle texture and smooth, graceful lines that complement any décor.
The c-shaped handle provides a secure grip and balances the pot perfectly. It features a free-flowing ball filter and forward-curved spout for a velvet-smooth pour.
Specifications:
- Volume: 280 ml / 9.5 oz (also available in smaller sizes)
- Color: Black Jingang Sand
- Dimensions: 5″ x 3.8″ x 3.5″ (L x W x H)
The teapot is available in three sizes from 200–280 ml for two to six people, the round, mid-profile shape is a sound choice for brewing most teas. High-fired, it’s guaranteed to make a flawless oolong or nuanced black. Heat and flavor retention are superb.
Pots come with value-added extras, including a lid rope for secure pouring, a dust bag, and gift-worthy packaging. It’s our top choice for the first-time Yixing buyer and will forever change the way you think about tea.
Pros
- High-quality hand made teapot
- Excellent value for money
- Comes with a convenient ball filter
- Great for almost any kind of tea
- Includes a lid rope, dust bag, and nice packaging
Cons
- The largest size available is 9.5 oz
Classic Round Zini Teapot: Chinese Yixing Natural Zisha Clay Teapot
Handmade from authentic Yixing clay, this pot comes in two colors — purple zini and yellow duan. Each holds eight ounces and serves 2–4. Made of all-natural materials, pots have a smooth finish with subtle variations that make each one-of-a-kind.
Specifications:
- Volume: 240 ml / 8 oz
- Color: Zini (Purple/Brown) or Duan (Yellow)
- Dimensions: 5″ x 3.8″ x 3.5″ (L x W x H)
The quintessential bowl shape brews any tea, but it’s slightly taller than similar models and excellent for fermented varieties. Well-balanced, the short, straight spout and quirky handle take some getting used to, but the pot has a surprisingly even pour.
This premium-quality pot is very affordable and offers remarkable value. It comes with a lid rope and a nice bag but the packaging is generic.
Pros
- Great overall quality
- Affordable
- Beautiful round design
- Comes with a nice carry bag
Cons
- Available in only 1 size
Most Stylish: Yxhupot 8oz Chinese Yixing Black Clay Teapot
Yixing teapots can be as decorative as they are functional. This stunning example features a lotus design and a satiny finish evoking the best of Chinese culture.
Specifications:
- Volume: 240 ml / 8 oz
- Color: Wuni (Black)
- Dimensions: 4″ x 3.5″ x 3″ (L x W x H)
Handmade from black Yixing clay, pots feature a 188-holed ball filter guaranteeing a brisk flow. Shipiao-inspired, it’s flat yet curved at the base and not quite low-profile. The generous d-shaped handle and extended spout make it feel like it was made for your hand. High-temperature fired, it makes the most of delicate teas.
The eight-ounce capacity serves two to four people in style — this teapot makes a treasured gift. Each bears the artist’s stamp and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Pros
- Unique lotus flower design
- Handmade
- Certified authentic
- Comes with a ball filter and lid rope
Cons
- A bit pricey
Best High-profile Pot: Yixing 22oz/650ml Brown Zisha Barrel Teapot
Large enough to entertain guests, this high-profile, 22-ounce pot is crafted from zini-colored Zisha clay. It’s both warm and practical with a smooth finish and satiny sheen.
Specifications:
- Volume: 650 ml / 22 oz
- Color: Zini (Purple/Brown)
- Dimensions: 3.74″ x 3.35″ x 5.43″ (L x W x H)
The high-profile design is thick-walled and retains heat, so you can brew less than a full batch without worrying about it cooling too quickly. High-temperature fired, it’s a good choice for all types of tea including fermented brews.
Pots feature built-in filters and a copper girder — the color is an elegant contrast. The long neck has a steep forward curve and offsets the pot’s heavy base for an easy pour. Lids are tight-fitting with a handle, not a knob, for a superior grip.
This pot is noteworthy for its quality despite being only semi-handmade, but it’s more than your money’s worth. You won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Great value for money
- Retains heat well
- Comes with a built-in filter
- Has an elegant copper girder
Cons
- Semi-handmade
Great Yixing Tea Set: Queena Yixing Purple Clay Tea Set with Travel Bag
Enjoy the comfort of home anywhere with this portable tea set by Queena. Equipped for the road, it contains everything you need in a compact, protective carrying case.
Specifications:
- Volume: approximately 125 ml / 4 oz
- Set Includes: 1 Teapot, 4 Teacups, 1 Tea Canister, 1 Bamboo Tea Tray, 1 Towel and 1 Travel Bag
- Color: Zini (Purple/Brown)
- Dimensions: 8.98″ x 6.61″ x 3.9″ (L x W x H)
Handmade of brown Zisha clay, sets feature a 125 ml pot with filter plus four cups, a bamboo tray, tea towel, and air-resistant canister for your favorite loose leaf.
Fours cups suggest the set can serve four, but it’s petite and serves only two comfortably. The additional clean cups, however, mean you don’t have to wash them after morning tea before you can make more in the afternoon. It’s a portable, convenient and popular set appreciated by weary travelers.
Pros
- A complete set for tea ceremony
- Beautiful handmade product
- Easy to carry and take along for trips
Cons
- The teapot is very small
Small and Portable Set: Queena Portable Yixing Zisha Tea Set
When tea for two is all you need, this portable set makes any trip complete. It comes with a handmade Zisha clay pot, two cups, a bamboo tray and tea towel, all wrapped in a secure, foam-padded case small enough to fit in a handbag.
Specifications:
- Volume: approximately 125 ml / 4 oz
- Set Includes: 1 Teapot, 2 Teacups, 1 Towel, 1 Bamboo Board and 1 Travel Bag
- Color: Zini (Purple/Brown)
- Dimensions: 8.46″ x 5.67″ x 3.58″ (L x W x H)
Embossed with a bamboo design to bring you good luck, it’s charming yet functional. Too small for a full ball filter, the spout has a forked-shaped design that when combined with the lid, serves as a capable, albeit not flawless, filter — it’s ingenious engineering.
Whether you’re going next door or trekking cross-country, it’s just what you need to make smooth, flavorful tea. And it’s so affordable so purchase a set for yourself and give the gift of a better brew to a loved one.
Pros
- A nice handmade set
- Very small and portable
- Stylish design
- Very affordable
Cons
- Small teapot
If you want more options, take a look at our guide with the best ceramic teapots.
How to Brew Tea in a Yixing Teapot
Brewing a cup of tasty tea in your new Yixing clay teapot is quite simple.
Just remember to season your teapot before first use. You can find the instructions for seasoning in the FAQ section below.
Here is a simple way for brewing tea in a Yixing clay teapot:
- Add the desired amount of your preferred type of tea into the teapot (e.g. green tea, oolong tea).
- Add hot water. The water temperature depends on the type of tea you are making (e.g. green tea bout 160°F or 70°C).
- Let brew for about 2 to 4 minutes depending on the type of tea and how strong you like it.
- Pour into cups and enjoy!
You can find more information about different types of Chinese teas and how to brew them in this article.
If you want to put more effort into making your tea, here is a short video that shows how to brew a perfect cup of tea in a Yixing teapot:
Chinese Yixing Clay Teapot FAQ
Should I season my new Yixing clay teapot?
Yes, it is important to clean and season a new Yixing teapot because they usually have protective wax coating.
Here is the process for seasoning your teapot:
- Rinse the teapot and lid with warm water inside and out.
- Wrap your teapot in a cloth and wrap the lid in a separate cloth. This will protect them during the seasoning.
- Put water in a pot large enough to fit your Yixing teapot and lid inside.
- Gently lower the teapot and lid into the water.
- Bring the water to a simmer and let the teapot and lid sit there for 1 hour. Don’t bring to a rolling boil as the teapot might get damaged.
- Turn off the heat and let the water cool down.
- Remove the teapot and lid, rinse thoroughly, and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Allow to dry completely.
How should I clean a Yixing clay teapot?
You can use warm water to rinse your teapot after using it. Then let it dry completely. You can first wipe it with a soft cloth so it will dry faster.
Don’t put the lid on before the pot is dry, as it might develop molds. Use only water for cleaning a Yixing teapot. If you use any soap or other cleaning agent, the pot might absorb those flavors.
Can I use the same Yixing teapot for different types of tea?
It is recommended to use a Yixing clay teapot for only one type of tea. The clay is porous material and absorbs the flavor of the tea. If you use the same pot for different types of tea, the flavors will get mixed up.
However, the process of absorbing the flavors is quite slow. So don’t worry about ruining your pot if you brew a different type of in it for a few times.
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