Hormsdar Dragon Phoenix Color-Changing Purple Clay Teapot

Much smaller than most people expect — the pot holds about 8oz and the cups are around 4oz each. If you're used to a standard Western teapot that serves 3-4 mugs, this is a completely different scale. Some reviewers felt the size was smaller than the photos suggest and were surprised by it. But here's the thing: this is intentional. Gong Fu-style teapots are meant to be small for concentrated, multiple-infusion brewing. If you're looking for a teapot to brew a big batch of tea for the family, this isn't it. But for traditional Chinese tea ceremony portions, the size is right on target. One creative reviewer even noted it works well with a single-serve coffee maker for filling.

Yes, this is something to be aware of. Multiple reviewers mention that the small cups get very hot when filled with freshly brewed tea — hot enough that they're uncomfortable to hold right away. This is actually common with traditional Gong Fu cups since they're small, thin, and made of clay that conducts heat. The workaround is simple: pour your tea and wait 30-60 seconds before picking up the cup, or hold it by the very rim between your thumb and forefinger. Some Gong Fu practitioners consider this part of the mindful slowing-down that the ceremony encourages.

It's actually one of the most popular reasons people buy this set. The combination of the handmade craftsmanship, the dramatic color-changing dragon and phoenix design, and the complete set (teapot plus two cups) makes it feel like a thoughtful, special gift. Multiple reviewers specifically mention buying it as a gift and being impressed by the presentation. It also comes with an educational card about the traditional making process, which adds a nice storytelling element. It works especially well for someone who's curious about tea culture or appreciates unique, conversation-piece items — even if the recipient never brews tea in it, it looks beautiful on display.

This set hits a sweet spot for a few types of buyers. It's great for beginners curious about Gong Fu tea ceremony — the small size is approachable, it comes with instructions, and the color-changing effect keeps things engaging while you learn. It's also an excellent gift for tea lovers or anyone who appreciates unique, artisan-style items. And it works well as a display or conversation piece for your home. Where it's not the best fit: if you need a large-capacity daily teapot, want something highly durable for rough use, or are a serious Yixing collector looking for premium-grade clay. Think of it as a beautiful introduction to the tradition rather than an endgame piece.

Honestly, this teapot is better suited as an occasional-use or display piece rather than a daily workhorse. Reviewers flag two durability concerns: the clay itself is fragile (as all zisha teapots are — one drop and it's done), and the color-changing decoration can peel with repeated washing. If you want a daily-use Gong Fu teapot that you don't have to baby, you might want a plain, undecorated zisha pot instead. But if you're using it a few times a week and treating it gently, it should hold up fine. Several reviewers have had great experiences with durability — it seems to vary from piece to piece.

At least one reviewer noted that the spout drips a bit underneath when pouring. This isn't uncommon with handmade zisha teapots — the pour characteristics vary from piece to piece since they're not factory-precision made. A common fix in the Gong Fu world is to use a tea towel underneath or to practice the 'quick tilt-back' technique at the end of each pour. It's a minor annoyance rather than a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you expect a perfectly clean pour every time.

Absolutely — and quite a few buyers do exactly that. The color-changing dragon and phoenix design makes it a striking display piece, and the handmade craftsmanship gives it an artisan quality. Multiple reviewers describe it as beautiful, elegant, and a great conversation piece even when it's just sitting on a shelf. Some people buy it as a 'friendship cup' set for display or use it only when entertaining guests. If you're drawn to the aesthetics but not sure about Gong Fu brewing, it works perfectly well as a decorative item.

For beginners, you want something affordable, easy to use, and forgiving. This Hormsdar set checks several of those boxes — the small capacity (about 8oz pot, 4oz cups) is actually ideal for learning Gong Fu style brewing because it's less intimidating than a full-size setup. It comes with two cups and instructions for use, so you're not left guessing. The color-changing dragon and phoenix design also gives you a fun visual cue when your water is at the right temperature. Just keep in mind this is a starter piece — if you fall in love with Gong Fu brewing, you'll likely want to upgrade to a higher-end Yixing pot down the road.

Before your first brew, you'll want to season this Hormsdar teapot. Rinse it thoroughly with hot water — no soap, ever — to clean out any residual clay dust. Many Gong Fu enthusiasts recommend doing an initial boil: submerge the pot in a large pan of water, bring it to a gentle boil for about 20 minutes, then let it cool naturally. After that, brew a batch of the tea you plan to use with it and discard it. This 'opens up' the pores in the purple clay. The Hormsdar set comes with an educational card that walks you through the process, which is a nice touch for beginners.

Gong Fu brewing with this Hormsdar teapot follows the traditional method: use a high leaf-to-water ratio (about 5-7 grams of tea for this 8oz pot), pour in hot water, and do very short steeps — 10 to 30 seconds for the first few rounds, gradually increasing. The small size is actually perfect for this style since Gong Fu is all about multiple short infusions rather than one big brew. Pour the tea into the included cups and enjoy each round as the flavor evolves. One thing reviewers note: the cups get quite hot when filled, so pour carefully and let them cool for a moment before picking them up.

Authentic Yixing teapots are made from zisha (purple clay) sourced from the Yixing region of China. Key signs of genuine zisha include a slightly rough, sandy texture on the surface, a clear ringing sound when you tap the lid, and the ability to absorb tea flavors over time. This Hormsdar teapot is made from purple clay and features a handmade construction, which is consistent with traditional Yixing craftsmanship. It also includes an educational card explaining the traditional making process dating back to 960 AD. That said, at this price point, it's best thought of as an entry-level zisha teapot rather than a collector-grade piece — a good way to experience the tradition without a major investment.

The golden rule: never use soap or detergent. Zisha clay is porous and will absorb whatever you wash it with, and you'll taste it in your next brew. After each use, simply rinse the Hormsdar teapot and cups with hot water and let them air dry with the lid off. For the color-changing dragon and phoenix decoration specifically, be extra gentle — avoid scrubbing those areas since some reviewers have reported the decoration peeling. A soft cloth or your fingers are all you need. Over time, you'll develop a patina inside the pot that actually improves the flavor of your tea — that's a feature, not a flaw.

Traditional wisdom says to dedicate a zisha teapot to one type of tea, since the porous clay absorbs flavors over time and eventually enhances your brew. This Hormsdar pot's small size makes it ideal for Gong Fu-style teas: oolongs, pu-erh, and black teas are the classic choices. These teas benefit from the multiple short infusions that this pot size encourages. Lighter teas like green or white tea can work too, but many enthusiasts prefer using glass or porcelain for those so you can appreciate the delicate color. Since this is an entry-level pot, it's a great one to experiment with before committing a higher-end pot to a single tea type.