「香茄壶 · Fragrant Eggplant」 — 250ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Raw Ore Zi Ni · Inner Ball Filter · Floral Landscape Engraving)

🏺 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

「香茄壶 · Fragrant Eggplant」 — 250ml Handmade Yixing Purple Clay Teapot (Raw Ore Zi Ni · Inner Ball Filter · Floral Landscape Engraving)
The Fragrant Eggplant 香茄壶 is a 250ml Gongfu teapot handcrafted from raw ore Zi Ni (紫泥), a classic Yixing purple clay known for its rich tone and balanced porosity. With its rounded body, curved handle, and short spout, this vessel embodies the elegance of traditional Chinese teaware.

The surface is adorned with hand-carved floral and landscape motifs, evoking the poetic charm of nature and literati aesthetics. Its name, “Fragrant Eggplant,” refers to the teapot’s bulbous silhouette and aromatic brewing potential—where form and function bloom in harmony.

Design Highlight: Features an inner push ball filter for smooth, leaf-free pours and a tactile, engraved surface that matures beautifully with use.

✨ Product Overview

🧘 Cultural & Craft Legacy

香茄之形 | The Form of Fragrant Eggplant
The name “Fragrant Eggplant” refers to the teapot’s full, rounded body—reminiscent of the fruit’s natural curves. In Chinese symbolism, the eggplant represents abundance and warmth, while the vessel’s form encourages even heat distribution and expressive brewing.

刻绘之艺 | The Art of Carving
The hand-carved floral and landscape motifs reflect the literati tradition of embedding poetry and painting into everyday objects. These engravings are not merely decorative—they are meditations on nature, time, and the quiet beauty of tea.

紫泥之本 | The Essence of Zi Ni
Zi Ni is the most iconic Yixing clay, valued for its mineral richness, breathability, and ability to enhance the flavor and aroma of tea. Its deep, earthy tone and fine texture make it a favorite among collectors and daily brewers alike.

🔮 Material, Firing & Form Geometry

Material · Original Ore Zi Ni (紫泥)

• Symbolism: Warmth · Abundance · Cultural Depth
• Emotional Resonance: Evokes the richness of soil and the fragrance of steeped leaves
• Affirmation: “When I pour from this vessel, I taste the memory of mountains and blossoms.”

Clay Composition

• High iron and mineral content
• Breathable surface enhances tea aroma and flavor
• Develops a rich, glowing patina with regular use

Firing Process

• Kiln-fired at 1150–1200°C in a reduction atmosphere
• Carvings sealed into the clay during firing
• Natural shrinkage ensures a tight lid fit and durable body

Form Geometry

• Body: Rounded silhouette with engraved floral and landscape motifs
• Mouth: Medium-wide opening for expressive brewing and easy cleaning
• Lid: Flat with central knob and steam hole
• Spout: Short and direct for smooth, balanced pouring
• Filter: Inner push ball filter for clean Gongfu infusions

🍵 Brewing Character & Tea Pairing

Best Suited For

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

Brewing Performance

• Heat Retention: Moderate to high, ideal for layered infusions
• Aroma Enhancement: Clay breathes with the tea, releasing fragrance gradually
• Mouthfeel: Softens tannins, enhances clarity and depth

Tasting Notes

• Pu’er: Earthy, mellow, and grounding
• Dahongpao: Roasted, mineral-rich, and warming
• Tie Guanyin: Floral, creamy, and lingering

🏡 Styling, Space & Use Cases

Daily Use

• Ideal for 2–4 person Gongfu sessions
• Balanced size and form for both home and studio use

Ritual Moments

• A poetic companion for morning tea, calligraphy, or quiet reflection
• Enhances the rhythm and mindfulness of tea preparation

Interior Styling

• Complements scholar’s desk, rustic wood, or minimalist tea tables
• A sculptural centerpiece for display shelves or cultural corners

Gifting Potential

• A meaningful gift for tea lovers, artists, or collectors of cultural teaware
• Suitable for birthdays, holidays, or ceremonial offerings

🧴 Care, Patina & Aging

• 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 wooden rack
• Patina Development: Over time, the surface will develop a soft, warm sheen—each brew adding to its quiet history

💬 FAQ

1. What is Zi Ni clay?
   A classic Yixing purple clay known for its breathability, heat retention, and aging beauty.
2. What does “Fragrant Eggplant” refer to?
   It describes the teapot’s rounded form and its aromatic brewing qualities.
3. Is the engraving painted or carved?
   It’s hand-carved before firing and permanently sealed into the clay.
4. What teas are best suited for this teapot?
   Pu’er, Dahongpao, Tie Guanyin, and other medium to high oxidation teas.
5. Can I use this teapot for green or white teas?
   You can, though it’s optimized for teas that benefit from heat retention.
6. Is this teapot beginner-friendly?
   Yes. Its stable form and built-in filter make it easy to use and clean.
7. What kind of filter does it have?
   An inner push ball filter for smooth, leaf-free pouring.
8. Can I use this teapot for multiple tea types?
   For best results and patina development, dedicate it to one tea category.
9. Does it come with a certificate?
   Yes. A certificate of authenticity is included with the gift box.
10. Is it dishwasher-safe?
    No. Always hand rinse with warm water to preserve the clay’s natural properties.
11. How long does it take to develop a patina?
    With regular use, a visible sheen may begin forming within a few weeks to months.
12. Is this teapot suitable for gifting?
    Absolutely. Its craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and presentation make it ideal for meaningful gifts.