YXHUPOT Zisha Gongfu Teapot (10oz Zini Purple Clay)

This is genuine Zisha purple clay from Yixing, and reviewers confirm it's the real deal. You get the traditional porous clay that seasoned tea enthusiasts look for, plus it comes with documentation and a silk case that verify its authenticity. At this price point, it's an excellent entry into authentic Yixing teapots without the $200+ investment that collector-grade pieces command.

The pour is where this little pot really shines. Seven different reviewers specifically praised the smooth, laminar flow—that beautiful, unbroken stream that serious tea folks love to see. The lid even has a small air hole that lets you control the pour rate using physics (cover it with your thumb to slow the pour). Just be aware that the lid fits somewhat loosely, so you need to hold it in place while pouring to avoid leaks.

Honestly, no. This is really a solo pot. The listed 10oz capacity is misleading—at a practical fill level, you're looking at closer to 6oz, which is perfect for one person doing gongfu-style brewing with multiple short steeps. Four reviewers mentioned the small size, noting it's strictly a personal teapot. If you want to share tea, you'd need a larger pot.

Nope! One of the nice beginner-friendly features is the built-in fine mesh strainer at the spout. Multiple reviewers mentioned it does an excellent job keeping leaf debris out of your cup, even with broken tea leaves. This makes it more forgiving when you're still learning gongfu technique and don't want to invest in additional equipment.

Yes, that's the traditional approach with Yixing clay. The porous Zisha clay absorbs the oils and flavors from your tea over time, which is actually desirable—it 'seasons' the pot and can enhance future brews. The smaller size of this pot (actual 6oz capacity) makes it ideal for dedicating to a single tea variety. Many enthusiasts who own multiple Yixing pots assign each one to a specific tea type.

The aesthetic quality punches above its price point. Four reviewers specifically called out the beautiful detailing and craftsmanship of this traditional Fanggu design. It's visually appealing enough to be a conversation piece, not just functional teaware. That said, there's one corner-cutting detail: the lid attachment uses cheap nylon thread instead of a more traditional material, though this doesn't affect brewing performance.