Side-Handle Tang Yu Zisha Teapot | Raw Ore Qing Hui Duan Clay | 250ml Gongfu Tea Pot

The scholar's pour. The artist's form.

The side-handle Tang Yu (側把唐羽) is a beloved silhouette in the Yixing tradition — its lateral handle offering a distinctive, ergonomic grip that feels natural whether you are pouring for one or for a table of guests. This piece is crafted from raw ore Qing Hui Duan (清灰段), a refined variation of Duan Ni clay with a cool, ash-grey tone that deepens beautifully with use.

At 250ml, this teapot bridges the gap between intimate Gongfu sessions and relaxed daily brewing — generous enough for a long afternoon, precise enough to honor a fine tea.

Specifications

About Qing Hui Duan Ni

Qing Hui Duan — literally "clear ash duan" — is a rare and distinctive raw ore clay from the Yixing region. Its cool grey-ash hue sets it apart from the warmer tones of classic Duan Ni, giving finished pieces a refined, understated elegance that appeals to collectors and minimalists alike. Like all authentic Duan Ni, it is prized for:

• Natural breathability — micro-porous structure absorbs tea oils over time, building a unique patina with every brew
• Excellent heat retention — maintains ideal brewing temperature longer than porcelain or glass
• Flavor clarity — raw ore clay, unblended and unprocessed, allows the true character of your tea to shine
• Living beauty — the grey tone warms and deepens with use, becoming more beautiful the more it is loved

The Side-Handle Form

The side-handle design (側把, cè bǎ) places the handle perpendicular to the spout, a configuration rooted in the Japanese kyusu tradition but deeply embedded in Chaozhou and Fujian tea culture. It offers exceptional control during the pour — ideal for the precise, wrist-led movements of Gongfu Cha. The wide Tang Yu body maximizes leaf-to-water contact, making it especially well-suited for oolongs, dancong, and aged pu-erh.

Seasoning Your Teapot

1. Rinse inside and out with boiling water
2. Simmer gently in cold water for 10–15 minutes; cool naturally
3. Brew and discard your first pot of tea — this seasons the clay
4. Your teapot is now ready for a lifetime of use

Care Instructions

• Never use soap — Zisha clay is porous and will absorb detergent
• Rinse with hot water after each use; air dry with the lid off
• Dedicate to one type of tea for best flavor development
• Handle with care — a handmade piece deserves a gentle touch