Yixing Purple Clay Tea Cup with Strainer and Lid

Not quite—one reviewer measured it at closer to 12oz actual capacity. It's still a generous size that holds a good amount of tea, but if you need a precise 21oz, you might be disappointed. The larger appearance comes from the thick clay walls and the space needed for the strainer basket.

Absolutely. The all-in-one design with the built-in strainer makes brewing straightforward, so you don't need extra equipment. The unglazed purple clay will develop a beautiful patina over time as you use it, which is part of the Yixing experience. Just be gentle with it—this is handmade clay, not a mug you can toss around. Several beginners mentioned loving how it got them into a proper tea ritual.

It works great for most loose leaf teas, but if you're brewing very fine or broken leaves (like some black teas or rooibos), you might get a few bits coming through. The holes are larger than a fine mesh strainer. For whole leaf or rolled oolongs and pu-erhs—which are perfect for Yixing clay anyway—it's ideal.

A couple reviewers mentioned the painted characters weren't fully cured and came off with washing. It's a cosmetic issue that doesn't affect how the cup performs, but if you're buying it partly for the decorative calligraphy, that's worth knowing. The clay quality itself is excellent—smooth, thin-walled, and authentic Yixing material.

The thin walls are actually a sign of quality craftsmanship, and reviewers loved how it enhanced their tea sessions. The thin rim feels comfortable against your lips, the smooth clay texture is pleasant to hold, and despite being delicate, it retains heat beautifully. Multiple people specifically called out how elegant and 'artisanal' it feels compared to thicker, mass-produced ceramic.

Yes, treat it with care. This is handmade, unglazed clay—beautiful and functional, but fragile. Several reviewers mentioned chipping or breaking from drops or bumps. If you want something indestructible for travel or rough daily use, get a different mug. But if you want an authentic Yixing piece for a mindful tea ritual at home, and you'll handle it gently, it's gorgeous and well worth it.