85ml Chaozhou Zhu Ni Hand-Pulled Teapot

A fully hand-crafted Chaozhou teapot made from local Zhu Ni red clay, designed specifically for Gongfu Cha and small-batch brewing. With an approximately 85ml capacity, thin walls, and a compact hand-pulled form, it is especially well suited to Phoenix Dan Cong and aromatic oolong teas.

Product Details

• Material: Zhu Ni red clay

• Origin: Chaozhou, Guangdong, China

• Craft: Fully hand-crafted, hand-pulled

• Capacity: Approximately 85ml

• Height: Approximately 7cm

• Bottom Diameter: Approximately 3.5cm

• Opening Diameter: Approximately 3.3cm

• Filter: Built-in filter holes

• Style: Traditional Chaozhou Gongfu Cha teapot

A Traditional Chaozhou Teapot for Gongfu Cha

Chaozhou Gongfu Cha is more than a method of brewing tea—it is deeply woven into everyday life in Chaozhou. In the Teochew dialect, people traditionally say “eat tea” rather than simply “drink tea,” reflecting the importance of tea in local culture.

The small Chaozhou hand-pulled teapot is an essential part of this brewing tradition. Its compact size is designed for brewing concentrated infusions and serving tea quickly while it is still hot and aromatic.

At approximately 85ml, this pot is particularly suitable for intimate Gongfu sessions and for brewing small amounts of high-aroma tea.

Hand-Pulled Chaozhou Zhu Ni Clay

This teapot is made from Zhu Ni red clay associated with Chaozhou, Guangdong. Chaozhou hand-pulled pots are traditionally made on a wheel with relatively thin walls, giving them a lighter and more refined structure than many thicker-bodied clay teapots.

The fine clay and thin construction make this style particularly interesting for aromatic teas where fragrance and clarity are important. Rather than presenting the pot as universally superior to other clay teapots, its character is best understood through the teas it was designed to brew.

Made for Phoenix Dan Cong and Aromatic Oolong

The compact Chaozhou teapot has a natural connection with Phoenix Dan Cong, the famous aromatic oolong from Guangdong's Phoenix Mountain region.

Its small capacity makes it easy to brew tea in short, concentrated infusions, helping you focus on the changing fragrance, texture, and aftertaste from one infusion to the next.

It is also well suited to:

• Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong

• Lightly roasted oolong

• Taiwanese oolong

• Fujian oolong

• Other aromatic Chinese teas

• More roasted or fermented teas when a small Gongfu vessel is preferred

For a broader explanation of how clay interacts with different teas, see our guide to Yixing clay and tea selection.

Why Is the Pot So Small?

Traditional Chaozhou Gongfu brewing often uses very small teapots, allowing several small cups to be served while the tea remains hot.

An approximately 85ml pot is well suited to a small group or an intimate session. It can produce a few small servings depending on the amount of leaf and brewing method, making it practical for teas such as Phoenix Dan Cong where aroma and temperature are central to the experience.

If you are comparing different teapot capacities, our Yixing Teapot Size Guide explains how capacity affects brewing style and serving size.

Chaozhou Pot vs. Yixing Teapot

Chaozhou hand-pulled pots and Yixing Zisha teapots share some traditional forms and are both associated with Gongfu tea, but they are distinct regional traditions.

Chaozhou pots are traditionally associated with local red clay, hand-pulled construction, relatively thin walls, and small brewing capacities. Yixing teapots are made from Yixing Zisha clays and encompass a much broader range of clay types, shapes, and craftsmanship.

The choice therefore depends on the tea and brewing style rather than one being universally better.

You can explore our Yixing Teapot vs. Gaiwan guide if you want to compare different traditional brewing vessels.

Fully Hand-Crafted for Traditional Brewing

This teapot is described as fully hand-crafted and hand-pulled, with filter holes incorporated into the pot.

The hand-pulled construction is an important characteristic of traditional Chaozhou teapots. The relatively thin walls and compact proportions are closely connected with their intended use for Gongfu Cha.

Because handmade teaware can naturally vary from piece to piece, slight differences in shape, clay tone, texture, and dimensions should be regarded as part of the character of a hand-crafted pot.

Care and Maintenance

After each brewing session:

1. Empty the tea leaves and rinse the inside of the pot with clean water.

2. Rinse the exterior if necessary and gently wipe away remaining moisture.

3. Leave the lid open and allow the teapot to dry completely.

4. Store the pot in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place when not in use.

5. Avoid sealing or wrapping the pot for long periods while it is damp.

Regular cleaning is preferable to allowing tea residue to accumulate. For more detailed instructions, see our guide to How to Properly Clean a Yixing Teapot.

Although this is a Chaozhou Zhu Ni teapot rather than a Yixing Zisha teapot, the same basic principle applies: keep the vessel clean, dry, and well ventilated.

Does the Clay Change With Use?

With repeated brewing and proper care, unglazed clay teaware can develop changes in surface appearance and texture over time. The exact development depends on the clay, tea, frequency of use, cleaning routine, and storage conditions.

For this reason, the pot should be cared for rather than deliberately coated with tea residue.

If you are interested in the traditional idea of preparing or “seasoning” an unglazed clay teapot, see Should I Season a Yixing Teapot Before Using It?.

Is This 85ml Chaozhou Teapot Right for You?

This pot is a strong fit if you:

• Mainly brew Phoenix Dan Cong or aromatic oolong

• Prefer traditional Chaozhou Gongfu Cha

• Enjoy small, concentrated infusions

• Want a compact teapot for one or a few drinkers

• Prefer fully hand-crafted teaware

• Appreciate thin-walled, lightweight Chaozhou pot construction

• Want a regional alternative to Yixing Zisha teapots

If you are looking specifically for Yixing Zisha teapots, you can explore the MoriMa Tea Yixing Zisha Teapot Collection.