Teapot Yixing China Imperial

Product description Teapot Yixing China Imperial

The Yixing China Imperial teapot with a 160 ml capacity is a small, richly decorated Yixing ceramic teapot featuring relief patterns that symbolize strength, protection, and dignity – motifs inspired by traditional Chinese ornamentation. Its compact size makes it well suited for gongfu cha and multiple infusions of high-quality loose-leaf tea.

What makes a Yixing teapot different?

Yixing ceramics are made from what is known as zisha clay – purple sand mined in the Yixing region. This clay has a naturally porous structure that, over time, gently absorbs the aromatic traces of the teas brewed in it. The teapot gradually develops its own distinct flavor character. For this reason, it is recommended to dedicate one teapot to a single type of tea, or to a group of teas with a similar flavor profile – the aromatic notes of different teas would otherwise blend together and compromise the resulting taste.

The Imperial is an excellent choice for brewing using the gongfu cha method – multiple short infusions from the same amount of tea leaves. This approach allows you to observe how the aroma and flavor of the tea evolve from one infusion to the next.

• Yixing ceramics made from porous zisha clay
• Unglazed surface with relief ornamentation
• Excellent heat retention – the material holds the temperature of the brew very well
• Designed primarily for gongfu cha brewing
• Tea leaves are placed loosely directly inside the teapot
• Built-in strainer at the spout opening catches leaves when pouring
• Suitable for brewing loose-leaf tea

What teas is it best suited for?

The Imperial performs best with oolongs, pu-erhs, and darker Chinese black teas. It works particularly well with roasted oolongs and more robust shu pu-erhs, whose earthy and complex notes are naturally complemented by the Yixing ceramic. Always choose teas that are suited for multiple infusions – that is when both the tea and the teapot truly shine.

We do not recommend using this teapot for heavily flavored teas, fruit teas, or herbal blends – their intense aromas would permanently absorb into the ceramic and affect every subsequent brew.

Our tip: How to brew tea using the gongfu cha method

• Start by warming the teapot with hot water.
• Add the tea leaves. With gongfu cha, you use a larger amount of leaves and a smaller amount of water than with conventional brewing.
• Pour water at the appropriate temperature for your specific tea and steep for only a short time.
• Always pour off the entire infusion and re-steep the leaves. For subsequent infusions, you can gradually extend the steeping time as needed.
• When brewing for multiple people, pour the tea into a sharing pitcher (chahai) first and then distribute it into small cups. When brewing just for yourself, you can pour directly into the cup.

Read more about tea rituals on our blog.

Caring for your teapot

• Before first use, rinse the teapot thoroughly with hot water.
• In the clean, new teapot, brew a strong infusion of the type of tea it will be dedicated to. Allow the brew to rest inside for a while so the tea essence can absorb into the ceramic. This is the seasoning process. (It can be repeated.)
• To preserve the teapot's properties and maintain the harmony of flavors it builds over time, it should never be cleaned with dish soap – simply rinsing it with clean water and allowing it to air dry is all that is needed. Only this way will it retain its accumulated memory and patina.

Please note – due to its ability to retain the flavor and aromatic notes of each brew, it is recommended to use this teapot exclusively for one type of tea, or for teas of a similar character.

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