「瑞脐壶 · Auspicious Belly」 — 350ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Zisha Clay · Pumpkin-Inspired Form · Mid-Capacity Gongfu Pot)

🏺 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

「瑞脐壶 · Auspicious Belly」 — 350ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Zisha Clay · Pumpkin-Inspired Form · Mid-Capacity Gongfu Pot)
The Auspicious Belly 瑞脐壶 is a 350ml Yixing teapot crafted from authentic Zisha purple clay, shaped in a rounded, pumpkin-inspired form with vertical ridges and swirling motifs. Its sculpted lid, curved spout, and ergonomic handle reflect the harmony of traditional Chinese aesthetics and functional Gongfu brewing. With its mid-size capacity and balanced proportions, this teapot is ideal for both personal and shared tea sessions.

Design Highlight: The teapot’s body features elegant ridges and a floral stem-shaped lid knob, symbolizing fullness and vitality. The decorative carvings add a layer of refinement, making it equally suited for use and display.

✨ Product Overview

🧘 Cultural & Craft Legacy

紫砂之道 | The Way of Zisha
Yixing purple clay is celebrated for its porous structure, which absorbs tea oils and enhances flavor over time. This teapot continues the legacy of Ming and Qing dynasty Gongfu brewing vessels, where form and function are inseparable.

南瓜之形 | The Pumpkin Motif
The segmented body and floral lid reference the pumpkin, a symbol of abundance and harmony in Chinese culture. This form is especially favored during seasonal gatherings and auspicious occasions.

雕饰之美 | The Beauty of Carving
The swirling patterns etched into the clay surface add a dynamic visual rhythm, reflecting the artisan’s hand and the spirit of traditional Chinese ornamentation.

🔩 Material, Craft & Form Geometry

Material · Yixing Zisha (紫砂)

• Symbolism: Harmony · Vitality · Tradition
• Emotional Resonance: Evokes the warmth of earth and the elegance of ritual
• Affirmation: “When I pour from this vessel, I steep in balance and beauty.”

Craftsmanship

• Handmade by skilled artisans
• Smooth, unglazed surface for optimal tea interaction
• Balanced lid and spout for clean, controlled pouring

Form Geometry

• Body: Rounded, segmented silhouette with decorative carvings
• Mouth: Medium-wide opening for expressive brewing
• Lid: Floral stem-shaped knob with snug fit
• Spout: Curved and tapered for smooth, accurate flow
• Handle: Rounded and ergonomic for comfortable grip
• 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: Excellent for short, high-temperature infusions
• Aroma Enhancement: Clay breathes with the tea, releasing fragrance gradually
• Mouthfeel: Softens tannins, enhances clarity and depth

Brewing Notes

• Preheat before use to stabilize temperature
• Ideal for 2–4 person Gongfu sessions

🏡 Styling, Space & Use Cases

Daily Use

• Mid-size capacity ideal for solo or shared tea moments
• Easy to handle and clean

Ritual Moments

• A grounding 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: Dedicate to one tea type to cultivate a consistent 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 Zisha clay?
   A porous, mineral-rich clay from Yixing, prized for its ability to enhance tea flavor and aroma.
2. Is this teapot functional or decorative?
   Both. It is fully functional for Gongfu brewing and also serves as a refined art object.
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?
    It’s best used in a stable environment due to its sculptural detailing.
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 mid-size capacity, pumpkin-inspired form, and decorative carving make it a rare blend of function and artistry.
15. Why is this teapot ideal for Gongfu tea?
    Its shape, clay, and filter design support multiple short infusions and expressive brewing.