Lotus Leaf Da Hong Pao Yixing Teapot
200 mL
A truly elegant Yixing teapot in shining deep red Da Hong Pao clay, faintly carved with long-stemmed lotus leaves and blossoms that trail across the body and lid of the pot in one continuous pattern. A masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.
$285.00
1 in stock
This teapot centers its beautiful clay first and foremost. The signature rich dark red of Da Hong Pao Yixing clay has been polished to a high shine and is incredibly smooth to the touch, which only enhances the overall round pearl-like shape of the pot. The lid fits seamlessly and snugly in the body of the pot.
About Da Hong Pao Yixing Clay
This teapot is crafted from a specific subtype of Yixing clay known as Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) clay. Yixing clay comes from Yixing County in Jiangsu Province. This type of clay is prized for its high levels of iron. Many variants of Yixing clay with different characters are sourced from different-colored layers in the soil. Da Hong Pao clay stands out from other varieties for the depth of color it acquires after firing, a rich red bordering on purple. This clay is named for that striking dark red color, which matches the deep red infusion of the famous dark-roasted rock wulong tea also known as Da Hong Pao.
Da Hong Pao clay has naturally higher levels of iron than any other type of Yixing clay. Due to the very high iron content, it can shrink an incredible 30% during firing. This shrinkage makes Yixing clay very difficult to work with and requires great sculpting skill. It is also very prone to cracking or breaking in the kiln, which is fired at the high temperature of 1080°C. Once fired, Da Hong Pao clay has a very high crystallinity and makes a high, clear sound like a ringing bell when tapped. Da Hong Pao clay is also valued for the way it easily acquires an antique-looking patina when seasoned with tea.
- Origin: Yixing County, Jiangsu Province, China
- Da Hong Pao (大红袍) – Unglazed red Yixing clay
- Capacity: 200mL
About Yixing Clay
Yixing clay from Yixing County is prized for its high levels of iron, which holds heat and is said to improve flavor.
Unglazed Yixing clay absorbs aromas and flavors easily, and the tea you make in it seasons it over time. To keep within a similar flavor profile, most people dedicate a specific teapot for brewing just one type of tea, like rock wulong or sheng puer.
To clean, just rinse your pot off with boiling water. Avoid washing with soap.
