PUMPKIN TEAPOT 210ML - DUANNI FENJIANG CLAY - DENG XILAN - FULLY HANDMADE TEAPOT

1. Overview & design inspiration

• Nangua shape (pumpkin) Inspired by the image of a seed-laden pumpkin in a country garden, the Nangua form is one of the classic Huaqi (naturalistic, biomorphic modelling) icons of the Zisha tradition. The piece carries a deep meaning of abundance, a bountiful harvest, gathered blessings and a large family.

• Exquisite fully handmade construction: The pot was shaped entirely by hand (quanshou) by artisan Deng Xilan. Every pumpkin rib on the body is drawn out round and taut with life; the lid knob curls naturally like a young pumpkin stem and, together with the spout and handle modelled as soft yet utterly sturdy vines, gives the pot a lifelike vitality.

• High collectible value: Thanks to the gifted hands and meticulous finishing of artisan Deng Xilan, every fold between the ribs and every proportion of the detailing is perfectly accurate, making the pot a unique work of art that deserves a place in the collection of a true tea connoisseur.

2. Specifications & key features

• Distinctive Duanni Fenjiang clay:

  • Raw-ore Duanni clay is combined with the "fenjiang" technique (coating the piece with a special fine mineral slip), producing a soft ivory-yellow surface that gleams and feels silky to the touch.

  • The clay has its characteristic breathable micro-mineral structure and retains heat well, so the brewed tea comes out round in flavour and smooth, and the natural fragrance of the leaf is lifted.

• Ideal capacity: 210ml – the right size for tea drunk face to face or with a small group (2 - 4 people).

• Flawless brewing performance:

  • Premium honeycomb filter: The honeycomb filter is drilled meticulously inside the pot, holding back leaf fragments completely without choking the flow, so the stream pours out even and strong and cuts off cleanly.

  • Exemplary lid fit: The lid is turned to sit tightly against the rim, following each rib groove exactly, locking in the tea's aroma and holding the water at an optimal temperature through the whole session.

3. Use & care of the pot

• Suitable teas: The refined character of Duanni Fenjiang, together with its heat retention and its way of lifting aroma, makes it very well suited to oolong teas (such as green oolong and Tieguanyin), white teas (ancient-tree white tea, Baihao Yinzhen, Shoumei), or premium green teas and Shan Tuyet.

• Breaking in and caring for the pot:

  • Before the first use, wash the clay dust off with warm water, then rinse thoroughly with boiling water several times to wake the minerals in the clay.

  • Duanni is a light-coloured clay, so avoid letting tea stand in the pot overnight. After each tea session, empty out the spent leaf, rinse the interior and the body with pure boiling water, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth, then leave the lid off in a well-ventilated place. The more regularly it is used, the more the pot takes on a glossy, deep and antique patina over time.