Eggplant Melon Raw Ore Purple Clay Pot

A 190ml Yixing Zisha teapot made from Raw Ore Red Slope Mud, shaped in a simple eggplant form and finished with hand-carved “Searching in a Pine Stream” imagery. Its compact capacity and detailed landscape carving make it well suited to personal Gongfu tea sessions.

Key Details

• Material: Raw Ore Red Slope Mud

• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China

• Capacity: 190ml

• Dimensions: 10.8 × 8.4cm

• Water Outlet: Ball Hole

• Craftsmanship: Hand-shaped with hand-carved decoration

• Best suited for: Gongfu tea and dedicated brewing of a compatible tea family

Natural Eggplant Form

The rounded, segmented body takes inspiration from the natural form of an eggplant.

Its proportions are simple and balanced, with smooth transitions between the body, handle, and spout. The curved stem-shaped lid knob adds a distinctive detail while keeping the overall design restrained.

The result is a functional Yixing form with a quiet, organic character rather than an overly elaborate silhouette.

Raw Ore Red Slope Mud

The pot is made from Raw Ore Red Slope Mud, described as a symbiotic mineral containing segmental mud, red mud, and a small amount of purple clay.

The clay has a deep red tone with subtle yellowish translucency, fine texture, visible sandy grain, and a naturally varied appearance.

With regular use, the surface can gradually develop a warmer, smoother sheen. For tea drinkers who enjoy the way Yixing teaware changes through repeated brewing, this gradual development is part of the appeal of the clay.

Hand-Carved “Searching in a Pine Stream”

The front of the pot features a hand-carved scene known as “Searching in a Pine Stream.”

Pine trees extend across the lower right side, while rocks and dense branches create a quiet mountain landscape. A scholar walking through the scene pauses within the forest, suggesting a moment of retreat and contemplation.

The reverse side is engraved with “Xunyou,” echoing the theme of seeking a quiet place away from the outside world.

The decoration is executed through hand carving, with controlled knife work and flowing strokes that give the surface a distinctly handcrafted character.

If you are comparing different Yixing production methods, see our guide to Should I Buy a Handmade or Half-Handmade Yixing Teapot?.

Is 190ml the Right Size for You?

At 190ml, this teapot sits between a very small personal pot and a larger shared-brewing vessel.

It can work well for individual Gongfu tea sessions and for smaller sessions with another tea drinker, depending on how much tea you prefer to brew per infusion.

A 190ml capacity is also useful if you want enough room for a satisfying brewing session without moving to a larger communal teapot.

For a comparison of common Yixing capacities and how size affects brewing and serving, see our Yixing Teapot Size Guide.

Dedicated Tea Brewing

This teapot is well suited to tea drinkers who prefer to dedicate an Yixing pot to one tea or a compatible tea family.

Because unglazed Yixing clay can interact with tea during repeated brewing, some tea drinkers avoid switching frequently between very different flavor profiles.

Learn more about this approach in our guide to Yixing Teapot Flavor Carryover and Do I Need a Separate Yixing Pot for Each Type of Tea?.

What Affects the Price of a Yixing Teapot?

Yixing teapot prices can vary considerably depending on factors such as clay characteristics, craftsmanship, production method, shape, decorative work, and provenance.

For a practical explanation of the factors that can affect the price of a contemporary or traditional Yixing teapot, see our Yixing Teapot Price Guide.

A Teapot That Develops With Use

One of the pleasures of using an unglazed Yixing teapot is watching its surface change through regular brewing.

With repeated use and proper care, the clay can gradually develop a smoother and more lustrous appearance. The natural texture of the Raw Ore Red Slope Mud remains part of the character of the teapot as its surface develops.

Avoid soap, scented cleaners, and other strongly fragranced products that may introduce unwanted aromas into the clay.

For practical maintenance instructions, see How Do You Properly Clean a Yixing Teapot?.

Is This Eggplant Melon Teapot Right for You?

Choose this 190ml Yixing Zisha teapot if you are looking for:

• A distinctive eggplant-inspired Yixing form

• Raw Ore Red Slope Mud

• Hand-carved traditional landscape decoration

• A practical 190ml capacity

• A teapot for personal or small Gongfu tea sessions

• A Zisha pot with a restrained form and detailed handcrafted surface

Explore Yixing Zisha Teapots

If you are comparing different Yixing clay types, capacities, traditional forms, and carved designs, explore our Yixing Zisha Teapot Collection.