TONGYOU Dragon and Phoenix Yixing Teapot

Honestly, this is hit or miss. Multiple reviewers note that the dragon and phoenix detailing is less intricate in person than the product photos suggest. Some buyers received beautifully detailed versions and were thrilled, while others found the carving noticeably simpler than advertised. The consensus is that it's still an attractive teapot — eight reviewers specifically praised the design — but you should expect the detail work to be a step below the glamour shots in the listing. At this price point, that's a reasonable tradeoff for most buyers, but if you're expecting museum-quality carving, you may be disappointed.

Reviewers specifically note that this pot doesn't negatively affect tea taste, which is actually a good sign. With purple clay teapots, the goal is for the clay to gradually absorb the oils and flavors of your tea over time, eventually enhancing the flavor of each subsequent brew. That said, several reviewers mentioned a chemical smell when the pot first arrives, so proper seasoning before your first brew is essential — soak and rinse it multiple times with boiling water until the smell is completely gone. Once seasoned, it functions as intended: keeping tea warm for an extended period while letting the clay do its subtle flavor work. One reviewer specifically enjoyed it with black dragon oolong.

Purple clay (zisha) is traditionally best suited for oolong and darker teas, and this pot is no exception. One reviewer specifically mentioned excellent results with black dragon oolong. Because purple clay absorbs flavor over time, most tea enthusiasts recommend dedicating a Yixing-style pot to one type of tea. Oolong, pu-erh, and black teas are classic choices — they benefit most from the clay's heat retention and gradual flavor enhancement. Lighter teas like green or white can work but won't showcase the clay's properties as dramatically. With the 18oz capacity, you're making a generous single serving, which is perfect for a personal afternoon oolong session.

It can work for gongfu-style brewing, but with caveats. Reviewers confirm it's suitable for the gongfu ceremony when properly seasoned, and the purple clay material is traditional for this purpose. However, at 18oz, it's significantly larger than the typical gongfu pot (which is usually 4-6oz), so you won't get the concentrated, multi-infusion experience that purists aim for. Think of it more as a gongfu-inspired everyday brewer. If you're just getting into gongfu tea and want to practice the motions without investing in a smaller artisan pot, it serves that purpose well. Just remember the hot handle — you'll want to pour with care and protection.

Some reviewers — two specifically — noticed a chemical smell when the teapot first arrived. This isn't unusual for mass-produced clay teapots and typically means the pot needs thorough seasoning before use. Rinse it several times with boiling water, letting it soak for 15-20 minutes each time. Some owners go further and boil the pot submerged in a large stockpot of clean water. After proper seasoning, the smell should disappear completely. If it persists after multiple rounds of boiling water treatment, that would be a concern. Most buyers who seasoned properly didn't report ongoing odor issues.

The dragon and phoenix design makes it visually striking, and eight reviewers specifically praised its appearance — so it definitely has gift appeal. One buyer even used it successfully for a gender reveal event, which shows its versatility as a decorative piece. As a gift for a casual tea drinker or someone who appreciates Asian-inspired decor, it works well. For a serious tea enthusiast or collector, they may notice the construction quality doesn't match higher-end Yixing pots. The best gifting sweet spot is someone who's curious about Yixing tea culture but hasn't invested heavily yet — it's an affordable, attractive introduction that actually functions as a real teapot.

Before your first brew, you'll want to season this TONGYOU teapot — especially since several reviewers noted a chemical smell out of the box. Start by rinsing it thoroughly with hot water several times. Then fill it with boiling water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes, repeating 2-3 times until any odor disappears. Some owners recommend boiling the pot in a large stockpot of water for 10-15 minutes for a deeper initial cleanse. After that, brew a batch of the tea you plan to dedicate the pot to (oolong works particularly well with this one — black dragon oolong was specifically mentioned by a reviewer). Pour out that first batch and your pot is ready. Never use soap on it — the clay is meant to absorb tea oils over time, which enhances flavor with continued use.

This is the big question with any Yixing-style teapot, and it's worth being upfront: the TONGYOU teapot is marketed as "authentic Yixing" purple clay, but reviews suggest it may be slip-cast rather than handmade, and some buyers report the finish appears painted rather than naturally glazed. True Yixing pots are hand-thrown or hand-pressed from zisha clay mined in Yixing, China, and they typically have a slightly sandy, unglazed texture that absorbs tea oils over time. At this price point, you're getting a purple clay teapot that functions well for gongfu-style brewing, but serious collectors should temper expectations about authenticity. If you're looking for a verified artisan Yixing pot, you'd typically need to spend significantly more and buy from a specialist dealer.

For beginners, you want something affordable, easy to maintain, and not intimidating — and this TONGYOU teapot checks those boxes. It's lightweight, easy to clean, and at a budget-friendly price point that won't sting if you're still figuring out gongfu brewing. The 18oz capacity is on the larger side for traditional gongfu (which typically uses 4-6oz pots), so it works better as a single-serving everyday teapot rather than a strict gongfu vessel. The one thing to be aware of: the handle gets extremely hot during use because it's hollow and connected to the brewing chamber, so keep a towel or oven mitt nearby. If you're just exploring Yixing-style tea culture without a major investment, this is a reasonable starting point.

Cleaning this TONGYOU pot is straightforward — reviewers specifically mention it's easy to clean. The key rule: never use soap or detergent. The purple clay is porous and will absorb whatever you wash it with, which would ruin future brews. After each use, simply rinse thoroughly with hot water and let it air dry with the lid off. If tea stains build up, a soft brush with just hot water will handle it. That staining is actually desirable with Yixing clay — it's the pot developing its "seasoning" that enhances flavor over time. The easy-clean nature is a genuine plus for beginners who might be nervous about maintaining specialty teaware.

Choosing comes down to what you're prioritizing. If you want an affordable, decorative pot that also brews tea — this TONGYOU dragon and phoenix design delivers on visual appeal, with multiple reviewers calling the dragon carving beautiful and attractive. If you're prioritizing authentic craftsmanship and premium clay quality, you'll likely want to look at higher-end options. Key things to consider: capacity (this one is 18oz, larger than traditional gongfu pots), clay type (purple clay here, which is versatile across tea types), and construction (this appears to be slip-cast rather than hand-thrown). For a first Yixing-style pot or a display piece that you also brew with, this works well. For serious tea ceremony practice, you may eventually want to upgrade.

The basic process is straightforward: add your loose leaf tea to the pot, pour in hot water at the appropriate temperature for your tea type, steep for the desired time, and pour out into cups. With this TONGYOU pot's 18oz capacity, you're making roughly a single large serving or two smaller cups per brew. A few practical tips specific to this teapot: always use a towel or mitt when gripping the handle, as multiple reviewers warn it gets extremely hot. Never place it directly on a stovetop or open flame — there have been reports of structural failure under direct heat. And stick to the traditional method: heat your water separately in a kettle, then pour it into the teapot. Between sessions, just rinse with hot water and let it air dry. No soap, ever.