Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Yun Long Jing Lan" (Cloud Dragon Well Rail) Zini | 云龙井栏 - 180ml

• Teapot Style: "Yun Long Jing Lan" (Cloud Dragon Well Rail) | 云龙井栏
• Material: Zini (Purple Clay) | 紫泥
• Craftsmanship: Handmade | 手工
• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China | 中国江苏宜兴
• Capacity: 180 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name: "Yun Long Jing Lan"

"Jing Lan" means "well railing," the low stone curb that once ringed the village well, the heart of daily life in old China. Yixing potters borrowed its sturdy, drum-like silhouette, and the form has long been admired for its quiet, grounded strength. "Yun Long," cloud and dragon, adds the ancient image of a dragon riding the clouds, a symbol of vitality, good fortune and the rain that nourishes the land. Together, the name pairs an everyday object with a mythical blessing.

Design & Craftsmanship

The body is a broad, drum-like cylinder with gently swelling sides and a flat lid that sits nearly flush with the rim, crowned by a small pierced pearl knob. The handle rises to a finely sculpted dragon head, and a short, sturdy spout gives a direct, controlled pour. One side is incised with a lively scene of plum blossoms, an orchid and a garden rock, signed with the maker's inscription and seal.

The Clay: Zini

Crafted from premium Zini (Purple Clay)—the most classic and revered of all authentic Yixing clays—this teapot features a rich, earthy purplish-brown hue. Renowned for its excellent breathability and unique dual-porosity structure, Zini is exceptionally versatile, gently rounding out astringency and elevating the complex flavors of roasted oolongs, pu-erh, and black teas. With regular use, the naturally textured surface will gradually absorb the tea's essential oils, developing a deep, mellow, and beautifully warm patina over time.

Learn more about Zini and other Yixing clays in our guide to Zisha clay types.