Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Ai Pan" | 矮潘 - 150ml

• Teapot Style: "Ai Pan" | 矮潘
• Material: Original Ore Zhuni (Vermilion Clay) | 原矿朱泥
• Craftsmanship: Fully Handmade | 全手工
• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China | 中国江苏宜兴
• Capacity: 150 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name: "Ai Pan"

The "Pan" teapot traces its origins to the Qing Dynasty, named after Pan Shicheng, a prominent official who commissioned three distinct teapot heights for his family: Tall, Medium, and Short (Ai). The "Ai Pan" is the most squat and wide of the three. Culturally, its grounded shape symbolizes stability, humility, and a deep respect for traditional tea ceremonies.

Design & Craftsmanship

This teapot is a perfect blend of minimalist aesthetics and practicality. Its wide, rounded belly provides ample room for large-leaf teas, like Oolong, to fully expand. The unadorned body, combined with a curved spout for a flawless pour and a classic ear-shaped handle, offers a comfortable and secure grip.

Zhu Ni (along with the broader Hong Ni family) is known for its delicate texture and striking appearance. After firing, it features a beautiful color that ranges from bright orange to deep red. When showered with hot water, the clay beautifully comes alive, quickly flushing to a vibrant, bright red that sometimes exhibits a subtle, wandering purple glow.

Zhu Ni is characterized by its high density and low porosity. Because of this dense structure, the clay does not absorb the tea's fragrance. Instead, it acts to lock in and retain the delicate aromas of the tea leaves.

Recommended For

It is an essential, practical piece for tea lovers and collectors who appreciate minimalist beauty and classic traditional shapes.

Due to its exceptional ability to preserve fragrance, Zhu Ni is perfectly suited for highly aromatic teas. The article highly recommends pairing Zhu Ni teapots with: Light Oolongs (such as Tieguanyin and Dancong).