「古柿壶 · Ancient Persimmon」 — <100ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Raw Ore Section Mud · Two Pumpkin Variants · Miniature Zisha Kettle with Infuser)

🏺 Table of Contents
• 💎 Name & Description
• ✨ Product Overview
• 🧘 Cultural & Craft Legacy
• 🔩 Material, Craft & Form Geometry
• 🍵 Brewing Character & Use Considerations
• 🏡 Styling, Space & Use Cases
• 🧴 Care & Maintenance
• 💬 FAQ

💎 Name & Description

「古柿壶 · Ancient Persimmon」 — <100ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Raw Ore Section Mud · Two Pumpkin Variants · Miniature Zisha Kettle with Infuser)
The Ancient Persimmon 古柿壶 is a miniature Yixing teapot crafted from raw ore section mud (段泥), shaped in a stylized pumpkin form with two distinct variants. Entirely handmade, this teapot features a ribbed body, a stem-like lid knob, and a delicate green leaf detail that adds a touch of whimsy and seasonal charm. With its compact size and sculptural elegance, it is ideal for solo Gongfu tea rituals, travel use, or as a collectible art piece.

Design Highlight: The teapot’s petite form and botanical embellishments evoke the sweetness of autumn fruits, while the two available variants offer subtle differences in silhouette and surface texture.

✨ Product Overview

🧘 Cultural & Craft Legacy

段泥之韵 | The Warmth of Section Mud
Section mud is a speckled, light-toned Zisha clay known for its breathability and gentle heat retention. It enhances the clarity and fragrance of tea, especially in small-volume infusions.

柿子与南瓜 | Persimmon and Pumpkin Motifs
The teapot’s form blends the symbolism of persimmons (good fortune and smoothness in life) with the fullness and abundance of pumpkins. The carved green leaf adds a seasonal flourish, suggesting vitality and renewal.

微器之美 | The Art of Miniature Teaware
Miniature teapots are prized in Gongfu culture for their precision and intimacy. This piece exemplifies that tradition, offering a refined brewing experience in a compact, sculptural form.

🔩 Material, Craft & Form Geometry

Material · Raw Ore Section Mud (段泥)

• Symbolism: Fortune · Abundance · Renewal
• Emotional Resonance: Evokes the sweetness of autumn and the clarity of intention
• Affirmation: “When I pour from this vessel, I savor the essence of simplicity.”

Craftsmanship

• Fully handmade by skilled artisans
• Sculpted botanical motifs and ribbed surface
• Smooth, unglazed surface for optimal tea interaction

Form Geometry

• Body: Rounded, segmented pumpkin shape with carved leaf detail
• Mouth: Small opening for focused brewing
• Lid: Stem-shaped knob with snug fit
• Spout: Short and curved for smooth, precise flow
• Handle: Compact and ergonomic
• Filter: Mesh hole strainer at the spout base

🍵 Brewing Character & Use Considerations

Best Suited For

• Pu’er (Shou & Sheng)
• Dahongpao
• Tie Guanyin
• Roasted Oolongs
• Fragrant Black Teas

Brewing Performance

• Heat Retention: Moderate, ideal for short, high-temperature infusions
• Aroma Enhancement: Clay breathes with the tea, releasing fragrance gradually
• Mouthfeel: Enhances clarity and smoothness

Brewing Notes

• Preheat before use to stabilize temperature
• Ideal for solo Gongfu sessions or focused tasting

🏡 Styling, Space & Use Cases

Daily Use

• Compact and expressive, perfect for mindful tea breaks
• Easy to handle and clean

Ritual Moments

• A poetic companion for seasonal tea rituals, journaling, or quiet reflection
• Enhances the sensory experience of tea through form and symbolism

Interior Styling

• Complements scholar’s desk, altar space, or rustic interiors
• A sculptural centerpiece for tea trays or display shelves

Gifting Potential

• A meaningful gift for tea lovers, collectors, or those who appreciate symbolic design
• Suitable for birthdays, housewarmings, or cultural holidays

🧴 Care & Maintenance

• Exclusive Use: Best dedicated to one tea type for optimal patina
• Cleaning: Rinse with warm water only; avoid soaps or abrasives
• Drying: Air dry naturally, inverted on a clean cloth or wooden rack
• Patina Development: With time, the surface will develop a soft, glowing sheen—each brew adding to its quiet history

💬 FAQ

1. What is section mud (段泥)?
   A light-toned, speckled Zisha clay known for its fine texture and excellent breathability.
2. Is this teapot functional or decorative?
   Both. It is fully functional for Gongfu brewing and also serves as a sculptural art piece.
3. What teas are best suited for this teapot?
   Pu’er, Dahongpao, Tie Guanyin, roasted oolongs, and fragrant black teas.
4. Is the teapot glazed inside?
   No. It is unglazed to allow the clay to interact naturally with the tea.
5. Can I use this teapot for green or white teas?
   It’s possible, but the heat retention may be too strong for very delicate teas.
6. Is this teapot beginner-friendly?
   Yes. Its size and built-in filter make it easy to use and clean.
7. Will the color change over time?
   Yes. With regular use, the clay will develop a deeper, more lustrous patina.
8. Is this teapot dishwasher-safe?
   No. Always hand rinse with warm water to preserve the clay’s properties.
9. Can I brew different teas in the same teapot?
   For best results, dedicate it to one tea type to avoid flavor crossover.
10. Is the lid tight-fitting?
    Yes. The handmade process ensures a snug, balanced lid fit.
11. Does it come with a certificate or mark?
    This model may include a base stamp; check the underside for artisan markings.
12. Is this teapot suitable for travel?
    Yes. Its compact size and sturdy form make it ideal for travel or outdoor tea sessions.
13. How should I store this teapot?
    In a dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong odors or moisture.
14. What makes this teapot unique?
    Its miniature size, section mud body, and botanical carving make it a rare and poetic brewing vessel.
15. Why is this teapot ideal for Gongfu tea?
    Its breathable clay, expressive form, and small capacity support multiple short infusions and mindful brewing.