Yixing Zhuni Wen Dan Flat Teapot – Silver-Wrapped Rim, Handmade Red Clay Gongfu Tea Pot, 100ml

A Refined Balance of Warm Red Clay and Silver Detail

If you enjoy brewing tea with a small Yixing teapot, this 100ml Zhuni Wen Dan Flat Teapot brings together traditional Chinese form and distinctive material contrast. Made in Yixing, Jiangsu, China, it features warm red Zhuni clay, a low and rounded Wen Dan silhouette, and silver-wrapped details along the rim, spout, and handle tip. Its compact size makes it especially suited to Gongfu-style brewing, where small infusions invite you to explore a tea through multiple rounds.

Product Information

• Product Name: Yixing Zhuni Wen Dan Flat Teapot

• Chinese Name: 朱泥水平壶包银口文旦扁型壶

• Material: Zhuni (朱泥) red clay

• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China

• Teapot Style: Wen Dan (文旦) / Flat Shuiping (水平壶)

• Capacity: 100ml

• Opening Diameter: 4.5cm

• Width: 12cm

• Height: 5.2cm

• Filter: Ball-shaped filter holes

• Cleaning: Hand wash

• Gross Weight: Approximately 120g

Measurements are approximate. Please allow for minor variations in handmade pottery.

Zhuni Red Clay – A Distinctive Yixing Teapot Material

Zhuni is one of the distinctive red clays associated with Yixing teaware. Its appeal lies in its rich reddish color, fine tactile character, and the warm surface appearance it can develop through regular handling and use.

Working with Zhuni requires careful control during forming and firing. The clay is known for its substantial firing shrinkage and demanding firing behavior, which make the finished shape particularly dependent on the potter's control of the material.

This is why the choice of form matters. The compact, rounded structure of this Wen Dan Flat Teapot gives the red clay a generous visual presence without making the pot look bulky.

Wen Dan Flat Shape – Rounded, Low and Balanced

The Wen Dan teapot is a classic Yixing form traditionally associated with the late Ming and early Qing periods. Its name and silhouette evoke the rounded shape of a Wen Dan pomelo.

Unlike the delicate, petite impression of a Xishi teapot, the Wen Dan form is appreciated for its fuller body and more substantial character. Its curves are soft but not overly delicate, combining a sense of abundance with a restrained, composed outline.

The traditional design is often recognized by its rounded body, fitted lid, low-profile knob, short and relatively sturdy spout, and flowing handle. The form is also commonly discussed in relation to the earlier Dragon Egg (Long Dan) shape.

In this flat interpretation, the body is pressed into a lower, broader profile. Its lowered center of gravity gives the pot a visually grounded appearance, while the short spout and sloping handle follow the body's compact lines.

The result is a small teapot with a quietly distinctive presence: rounded and generous, yet neat and balanced.

Silver-Wrapped Details – A Contrast of Warm and Cool Materials

The defining detail of this teapot is the silver-wrapped finish applied to the rim, spout, and upper end of the handle.

The reddish Zhuni body brings warmth and an earthy character, while the silver-colored metal detailing introduces a cooler, more reflective accent. Together, they create a balance between the softness of clay and the crisp character of metal.

The metal trim also adds a protective layer to selected edges and contact points that may otherwise be more exposed to everyday knocks and wear.

Over time, silver can naturally change in appearance through oxidation and handling. This gradual change may add a more aged character to the metal details. The exact silver purity and joining method are not specified, so this listing does not make a claim about sterling silver content or a particular traditional soldering technique.

Made for Gongfu Tea Brewing

With a capacity of 100ml, this teapot is designed for small-batch brewing rather than preparing a large pot for several people. It works naturally on a personal tea table or as part of a compact Gongfu tea setup.

The ball-shaped filter holes help retain tea leaves inside the pot while allowing the infusion to flow through the spout. For best results, use an appropriate amount of tea for the pot's capacity and avoid overfilling it with tightly packed leaves.

Its compact proportions make it a considered choice for tea drinkers who enjoy brewing several short infusions and paying attention to how a tea changes from round to round.

For more on brewing technique, see our Gongfu Tea Brewing Guide and Chinese Oolong Tea Guide.

Care and Cleaning

• Rinse the teapot with warm water before its first use.

• After brewing, empty the leaves and rinse the inside with clean water.

• Hand wash only. Avoid dishwashers, abrasive scrubbers, and harsh cleaning chemicals.

• Do not use detergent or scented cleaners if you intend to maintain the natural character of the clay surface.

• Allow the teapot to dry completely with the lid removed before storing it.

• Handle the silver-wrapped areas with care and avoid rough polishing or abrasive metal cleaners.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes and accidental impacts, as clay teaware can crack or chip.

As with other unglazed Yixing clay teapots, you may prefer to dedicate this pot to one general tea category over time, especially if you want to keep aromas from different teas from mixing.