Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Fan Lian" (Sacred Lotus) | 梵莲 - 170ml

• Teapot Style: "Fan Lian" (Sacred Lotus) | 梵莲
• Material: Di Cao Qing (Bottom-Seam Purple Clay) | 底槽青
• Craftsmanship: Handmade | 手工
• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China | 中国江苏宜兴
• Capacity: 170 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name: "Fan Lian"

"Fan Lian" means "sacred lotus," the lotus of Buddhist tradition. Rising clean and fragrant from muddy water, the lotus is one of the most cherished symbols in Chinese culture, standing for purity, inner peace and enlightenment. The Song Dynasty scholar Zhou Dunyi praised it as the flower that "emerges from the mud unstained." This teapot brings that serene, contemplative spirit to the tea table.

Design & Craftsmanship

The drum-shaped body is encircled near its base by a band of raised lotus petals, as if the pot were rising from an open blossom. A flat lid with a loop knob sits neatly on top, and a short spout and rounded handle keep the silhouette calm and balanced. The surface is otherwise left plain, letting the clean form and the petal band speak for themselves.

The Clay: Di Cao Qing

Di Cao Qing (Bottom-Seam Purple Clay) is one of the most treasured varieties of Zini, the classic purple clay of Yixing. Its name comes from where it lies. The ore forms a thin layer at the very bottom (Di) of the purple clay seam (Cao), and in its raw state it has a faint bluish-green tinge (Qing). Because it makes up only a small part of each seam, it has always been valued more highly than ordinary Zini.

After firing, Di Cao Qing turns a deep, dignified purple-brown, sometimes with a subtle bluish undertone. The surface is scattered with fine, pale mineral specks, a texture tea lovers call "Li Pi" (pear skin). The clay is dense yet breathable. With regular use, the surface absorbs the tea's oils and slowly takes on a rich, jade-like luster. The more you brew, the more beautiful it becomes.

Like all Zini clays, Di Cao Qing has excellent breathability and a unique dual-porosity structure, which make it exceptionally versatile. It gently rounds out astringency and elevates the complex flavors of roasted oolongs, Pu'er and black teas.

Learn more about Di Cao Qing and other Yixing clays in our guide to Zisha clay types.