YXHUPOT Yixing Xishi Zini Clay Teapot 6oz

Honestly, this is likely Yixing-style rather than authentic Yixing clay. While it has the traditional seal marks and unglazed Zisha appearance, reviewers note it shows signs of slip casting rather than hand-crafting, and the clay origin can't be verified. That said, it still functions beautifully as an unglazed clay teapot that will develop a tea patina over time—you're just getting it at a beginner-friendly price point rather than paying premium for certified Yixing mud.

This is a true single-serving pot—it holds 6oz, which is perfect for one normal-sized teacup or 2-3 traditional gong fu style cups. Multiple reviewers specifically mention it's too small for large mugs, so if you're looking to brew a big cup of tea or serve multiple people, you'll want something bigger. But for solo tea sessions or traditional Chinese tea ceremony, the size is spot-on.

Yes, reviewers consistently praise the ball filter for keeping loose leaves contained during pouring. It prevents those annoying spills of tea leaves into your cup while still allowing the tea to brew freely. Combined with the clean, controlled pour that multiple people mention, you get a surprisingly mess-free experience for such a small pot.

Good news here—after a couple of hot water rinses, reviewers report no chemical smell or coating taste. A few people noticed an initial smell right out of the box, but it washes away easily. This is pretty standard for unglazed clay teapots and nothing to worry about. Just give it a few rinses with boiling water before your first brew.

No, and this is the pot's main misleading point. The primary product photo shows a glossy, glazed finish, but what arrives is actually matte and unglazed (which is correct for authentic Yixing-style clay). Some reviewers also note the color leans more purple-brown in person versus the reddish tone in photos. It's still attractive, just not as pictured.

Because this is unglazed Zisha clay, it will absorb tea oils and flavors over time—that's actually a feature for tea enthusiasts who like to 'season' their pots with a single tea type (pu-erh, oolong, etc.) to develop complex flavor layers. If you want versatility, you can still use it for different teas, but purists might want to dedicate it. Either way, the porous clay will enhance your tea's flavor as you use it.