Fanggu Yixing Zisha Teapot – Dicaoqing Zini Clay, 130ml

This is a 130 ml fanggu teapot in Dicaoqing Zini Clay, partially handmade, made in Dingshu, Yixing. Its Chinese name is 仿古.

The clay. The most prized layer of the zini seam, cut from the very bottom of the deposit and recognisable by the green 'chicken-eye' inclusions in the raw ore. It fires purple with a green cast and a dense, jade-like surface. Dense yet still breathable — an unusual combination. Collectors seek it out because the patina stays restrained and deepens slowly rather than turning glossy.

The form. The Fanggu form (仿古) dates to the Qing dynasty, attributed to Shao Daheng. Originally 'imitating a drum' — flat-bodied and round-bellied with a tightly seated lid. The name drifted over time into 'imitating antiquity'. Full, plain and durable. A sensible first pot and a pot experienced drinkers keep coming back to.

How it was made. Formed with the help of a mould for the body, with the spout, handle, lid and finishing worked by hand. A well-made half-handmade pot is a good pot; the difference is in labour, not in whether it brews well.

Size and tea. 130 ml serves two to three people from a single fill, which makes it the most generally useful size on a tea table. Best suited to aged pu-erh, yancha and black tea.

This pot. Catalogue no. 058, 130 ml, US$85. Photographed individually — the images show the pot you receive.

Made by 王召仁. We buy directly from the workshop rather than through a wholesaler, so the attribution comes with the pot.

New to zisha? Read how to season a Yixing teapot before first use.

Similar teapots

• Handmade Wu Chen Yixing Zisha Teapot — Chijin Zini Clay, 130 ml, $85
• Handmade Rongtian Yixing Zisha Teapot — Chijin Zini Clay, 140 ml, $85
• Handmade Wu Chen Yixing Zisha Teapot — Chijin Zini Clay, 120 ml, $85

Or browse every Dicaoqing Zini pot · the full Yixing catalogue.