「掇只壶 · Mini Duo Zhi」 — <100ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Zhu Mud · Miniature Duo Zhi Form · Folk Artist Work)

🏺 Table of Contents

• 💎 Name & Description
• ✨ Product Overview
• 🧘 Cultural & Craft Legacy
• 🔮 Material, Firing & Form Geometry
• 🍵 Brewing Character & Tea Pairing
• 🏡 Styling, Space & Use Cases
• 🧴 Care, Patina & Aging
• 💬 FAQ

💎 Name & Description

「掇只壶 · Mini Duo Zhi」 — <100ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Zhu Mud · Miniature Duo Zhi Form · Folk Artist Work)
The Mini Duo Zhi 掇只壶 is a compact, sub-100ml Gongfu teapot crafted from raw ore Zhu Ni (朱泥), a fine-grained Yixing clay known for its vibrant hue and responsive brewing qualities. This miniature version of the classic Duo Zhi form is a marvel of proportion and precision, ideal for solo tea sessions, travel, or as a collectible piece in a curated teaware display.

Design Highlight: Despite its size, the teapot retains the full architectural elegance of the Duo Zhi form—rounded body, upright posture, and a perfectly balanced lid and spout.

✨ Product Overview

🧘 Cultural & Craft Legacy

掇只之形 | The Duo Zhi Form
The Duo Zhi teapot is one of the most iconic and technically demanding forms in Yixing teaware. Its name refers to the act of “stacking and joining,” reflecting its architectural elegance and balanced geometry.

朱泥之美 | The Beauty of Zhu Ni
Zhu Ni is a rare, high-shrinkage Yixing clay with a rich vermilion hue and smooth texture. It is especially suited for small teapots, where its responsiveness enhances aroma and flavor clarity.

微壶之趣 | The Charm of Miniature Teaware
Miniature teapots are prized for their portability, brewing precision, and collectible value. They require exceptional skill to craft, as every detail must be executed at a reduced scale without compromising function.

🔮 Material, Firing & Form Geometry

Material · Raw Ore Zhu Ni (朱泥)

• Symbolism: Precision · Elegance · Inner Focus
• Emotional Resonance: Evokes the intimacy of solo tea and the joy of fine detail
• Affirmation: “When I pour from this vessel, I steep in stillness and scale.”

Clay Composition

• High iron content with fine, dense particles
• Breathable surface enhances tea aroma and flavor
• Develops a luminous, deepening patina with use

Firing Process

• Kiln-fired at 1100–1150°C with high shrinkage control
• Natural shrinkage ensures a tight lid fit and durable body

Form Geometry

• Body: Rounded Duo Zhi silhouette with upright posture
• Mouth: Medium opening for easy rinsing and leaf expansion
• Lid: Flat with central knob and steam hole
• Spout: Short and direct for smooth, balanced pouring
• Filter: Multi-hole strainer for clean Gongfu infusions

🍵 Brewing Character & Tea Pairing

Best Suited For

• Fragrant Oolongs
• Black Teas
• Shou Pu’er
• Dahongpao
• Tie Guanyin

Brewing Performance

• Heat Retention: High, ideal for quick, concentrated infusions
• Aroma Enhancement: Clay body enhances fragrance and clarity
• Mouthfeel: Preserves brightness and smoothness in delicate teas

Tasting Notes

• Oolong: Floral, buttery, and layered
• Black Tea: Sweet, malty, and warming
• Pu’er: Smooth, earthy, and mellow

🏡 Styling, Space & Use Cases

Daily Use

• Perfect for solo Gongfu sessions or quiet moments at work
• Compact size fits easily into travel kits or minimalist setups

Ritual Moments

• A contemplative companion for journaling, sketching, or seasonal reflection
• Enhances the sensory experience of tea through touch, scent, and sight

Interior Styling

• Complements natural wood, linen, and stone aesthetics
• A sculptural accent for tea trays, bookshelves, or window sills

Gifting Potential

• A meaningful gift for tea lovers, minimalists, or collectors of fine teaware
• Ideal for birthdays, seasonal offerings, or personal milestones

🧴 Care, Patina & Aging

• Exclusive Use: Best dedicated to one tea type for optimal patina
• Cleaning: Rinse with warm water only; avoid detergents or scrubbing
• Drying: Air dry naturally, inverted on a clean cloth or rack
• Patina Development: With time, the clay will deepen in tone and luster, reflecting your tea journey

💬 FAQ

1. What is the Duo Zhi form?
   A classic Yixing teapot shape known for its upright, symmetrical design and architectural elegance.
2. Is this teapot functional or decorative?
   Fully functional. Despite its size, it is designed for real Gongfu tea brewing.
3. What teas are best for this teapot?
   Fragrant oolongs, black teas, pu’er, and roasted varieties.
4. Can I use it for green tea?
   Yes, though it’s optimized for mid-oxidation teas.
5. Is the lid secure?
   Yes. The dome lid fits snugly and pours cleanly.
6. Does it have a built-in filter?
   Yes, a multi-hole strainer is integrated at the spout.
7. Is this teapot beginner-friendly?
   Absolutely—simple, compact, and easy to handle.
8. Can I use it for multiple teas?
   For best results, dedicate it to one tea type.
9. Is it dishwasher-safe?
   No. Please rinse gently by hand with warm water.
10. Will the surface change over time?
    Yes, it will develop a soft, glowing patina with use.
11. Is it suitable for travel?
    Yes. Its compact size and sturdy build make it travel-friendly.
12. Is this a good gift?
    Definitely. It’s elegant, personal, and full of character.