130ml Yixing Purple Sand Teapot

A compact 130ml Yixing Zisha teapot made from Purple Sand clay in Yixing, Jiangsu. Its unglazed clay body and manageable size make it well suited to focused Gongfu tea sessions for one or two people.

With a 40mm caliber and compact 114 × 69mm proportions, this teapot is designed for tea drinkers who prefer smaller brewing volumes and controlled, repeated infusions.

Product Details

• Material: Purple Sand (Zisha) clay

• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China

• Capacity: 130ml

• Dimensions: 114 × 69mm

• Caliber: 40mm

• Style: Yixing Zisha teapot

• Best suited for: Gongfu tea and small-batch Chinese tea brewing

Is a 130ml Yixing Teapot Right for You?

A 130ml Yixing teapot is a compact size that works particularly well for solo Gongfu brewing or tea sessions for two.

It gives you enough room for practical brewing while keeping the overall volume manageable for repeated infusions. This size can be a good fit if you prefer to control the amount of tea, water, and steeping time closely rather than brewing a larger pot.

A 130ml capacity can work well for:

• Solo Gongfu tea sessions

• Tea sessions for two

• Oolong tea

• Pu-erh tea

• Other Chinese teas brewed in smaller infusions

Capacity is only one part of choosing a Yixing teapot. The shape, leaf expansion, pouring characteristics, and how the pot feels in the hand can also affect the brewing experience.

For a broader comparison of capacities and help choosing the right size, see our Yixing teapot size guide.

Purple Sand Clay from Yixing

This teapot is made from Purple Sand, also known as Zisha clay, traditionally associated with Yixing in Jiangsu, China.

The body is unglazed, leaving the natural surface of the clay exposed. Many tea drinkers choose Yixing Zisha teapots because they enjoy the tactile character of the clay and the focused brewing experience associated with dedicated clay teaware.

Some tea drinkers prefer to use one Yixing teapot for a particular tea or a compatible tea family. This can help keep a brewing routine consistent and avoid mixing very different tea profiles in the same pot.

If you are considering whether different teas should have their own dedicated Yixing teapot, see Do I Need a Separate Yixing Pot for Each Type of Tea?.

Designed for Small Gongfu Tea Sessions

The 130ml capacity provides a practical balance between compact handling and usable brewing volume.

The 40mm caliber provides a relatively compact opening, while the 114 × 69mm dimensions make the pot manageable during repeated pouring and handling.

For tea drinkers who prefer concentrated Gongfu sessions, a 130ml pot can be easier to manage than a larger 200ml or 250ml teapot.

The compact capacity also makes it easier to adjust tea quantity and water volume according to the tea being brewed and the number of people sharing the session.

How Does Yixing Clay Develop Through Use?

One of the distinctive pleasures of using an unglazed Yixing teapot is seeing how its surface changes through regular use.

With repeated brewing, rinsing, handling, and proper drying, the clay may gradually develop a smoother and more settled appearance. Some tea drinkers describe this visual and tactile development as becoming more “warm” or “jade-like.”

These descriptions refer to the character that can develop through use rather than a guaranteed result. Each teapot can respond differently depending on its clay, firing, use, and care.

The simplest approach is consistent use followed by proper rinsing and drying. There is no need to deliberately leave tea leaves or old tea liquor inside the pot.

For detailed maintenance guidance, see How Do You Properly Clean a Yixing Teapot?.

What Affects the Price of a Yixing Teapot?

The price of a Yixing teapot is influenced by more than clay type alone.

Depending on the individual piece, factors can include:

• Clay material and characteristics

• Craftsmanship

• Forming method

• Shape and design

• Individual handwork

• Provenance

• Condition

• Other characteristics specific to the teapot

A higher price does not automatically mean a teapot will provide a better brewing experience. The right choice depends on what you value in the clay, craftsmanship, design, capacity, and intended use.

If you are comparing Yixing teapots at different price levels, see our Yixing teapot price guide.

Should You Season This Yixing Teapot?

You do not need an elaborate seasoning ritual before using a new Yixing teapot.

A simple rinse with clean water, followed by thorough drying, is enough to prepare the pot for normal use.

With regular brewing, the surface may gradually develop its own character. There is no need to intentionally leave tea leaves, tea liquor, or moisture inside the pot between sessions.

For more guidance on preparing a new Yixing teapot, see Should I Season a Yixing Teapot Before Using It?.

How Should You Store a Yixing Teapot?

If the teapot will not be used for a period of time, rinse the inside and outside with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

Store it in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place. Keeping the lid open or slightly open allows air to circulate through the interior.

Avoid sealing a damp Yixing teapot inside a plastic bag, airtight container, or other closed environment for extended periods. Trapped moisture can contribute to unwanted odors, spots, or other storage problems.

The teapot should always be completely dry before long-term storage.

Care and Use

After each tea session:

1. Remove all tea leaves.

2. Empty any remaining tea.

3. Rinse the teapot with clean water.

4. Rinse the lid, rim, and spout.

5. Leave the lid open.

6. Allow the teapot to dry completely.

7. Store it somewhere clean, dry, and well ventilated.

For normal daily care, strongly scented detergents are unnecessary. Clean water and proper drying are generally sufficient for an unglazed Yixing teapot.

A Compact 130ml Yixing Purple Sand Teapot for Gongfu Tea

This 130ml Yixing Purple Sand teapot combines a compact brewing capacity with the natural tactile character of unglazed Zisha clay.

It is particularly suited to tea drinkers who prefer solo brewing or sessions for two, smaller Gongfu infusions, and a manageable teapot for repeated use.

If you are comparing Yixing teapots by clay, capacity, shape, craftsmanship, and price, explore our Yixing Zisha teapots to compare the current collection.