YXHUPOT Purple Clay Teapot Fanggu

This is made from authentic zisha (purple clay) from the Yixing region of China. Several reviewers specifically mention the genuine clay construction, and it comes with historical documentation about the art form. The clay will actually season over time as you use it with the same type of tea, which is a hallmark of real Yixing teapots.

The pour is actually one of its standout features—seven reviewers specifically praised the smooth, laminar flow. The strainer holes are fine enough to retain leaves while letting liquid flow freely. One tip though: the lid can leak a bit during pouring unless you cover the air hole with your finger, which is pretty standard technique for this style of teapot.

Not quite. Multiple reviewers found the actual usable capacity is closer to 6oz when you fill it to a reasonable level. It's definitely a small, single-serving teapot designed for traditional gongfu brewing where you do multiple short steeps. If you're looking to brew a whole mug's worth at once, this won't be enough.

Yes, it's actually an excellent beginner choice. The price point is low enough that you're not making a huge investment while you're learning, but it's still genuine zisha clay so you'll get the authentic experience. It comes with educational materials about the art form, and the built-in strainer means you don't need extra equipment. The small size also means less waste while you're practicing your technique.

Yes, it comes in a silk case which is a nice touch for storage and protection. You also get documentation about the history and tradition of Yixing teapots. One minor note: the decorative thread on the lid is nylon rather than silk, but that doesn't affect functionality.

While you can technically use it for any tea initially, the beauty of Yixing clay is that it absorbs the oils and flavors of whatever tea you brew in it over time. This 'seasoning' enhances the flavor of that specific tea type. Most enthusiasts dedicate one Yixing pot to one type of tea—so you might use this exclusively for oolong, or puerh, or whatever your favorite is. The small 6oz size is perfect for this approach since it's meant for personal ritual rather than serving a crowd.