YXHUPOT Zisha Gongfu Teapot (8.6oz)

The pour quality is genuinely impressive for a pot in this price range. Six reviewers specifically mentioned the smooth, laminar flow—meaning the tea comes out in a clean stream rather than sputtering or splashing. When the lid is seated properly, there's no dribbling either. The lid even has a small hole that lets you control the flow rate with your thumb, which is a nice touch for gongfu brewing where precision matters.

Not quite. Several reviewers measured the actual capacity and found it's closer to 6 ounces when you account for tea leaves and a reasonable fill level. It's definitely a small pot—best thought of as a single-serving gongfu vessel rather than something to brew for multiple people. If you're practicing traditional Chinese tea ceremony, this size is actually ideal. If you're looking to brew for guests, you'll want something larger.

This is the one quality control issue worth knowing about. Some units have lids that seal perfectly and don't leak a drop. Others arrived with lids that don't fit quite right, leading to drips during pouring. It seems to be inconsistent from unit to unit. The good news is that when you get a good one, the seal is excellent. Just be aware you might need to exchange if you get unlucky.

Actually, yes. The built-in filter works really well—fine enough to catch tea leaves without needing a separate strainer—which simplifies your setup. It comes with a nice silk presentation case and even some educational materials about the brewing method. The pour quality makes it easy to serve cleanly, and at this price point, you're not risking much while you learn. Plus, it's genuine Yixing clay, so you'll get that authentic seasoning effect as you use it with your chosen tea.

Yes, this is authentic Zisha (purple sand) clay from Yixing, which means it will absolutely season with use. The unglazed clay is slightly porous and absorbs tea oils over time, which is why enthusiasts dedicate these pots to a single type of tea. Reviewers appreciated this traditional aspect—it's not just decorative, it's functional in the classical sense. Just remember that means you shouldn't use soap to clean it, just hot water rinses.

The clay work and pouring mechanics are genuinely good—well above what you'd expect in this price range. The presentation is lovely too, with detailed craftsmanship and a silk case. The one cheap-feeling element is the nylon thread on the lid, but that's a minor detail. For an inexpensive entry into authentic Yixing brewing, it punches above its weight. Just cross your fingers for a good lid fit.