Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Zhu Qu" (Bamboo Delight) | 竹趣 - 150ml

• Teapot Style: "Zhu Qu" (Bamboo Delight) | 竹趣
• 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: 150 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name: "Zhu Qu"

"Zhu Qu" means "the charm of bamboo," or the simple pleasures found in a bamboo grove. Bamboo is one of the "Four Gentlemen" of Chinese art, admired for bending in the wind without breaking and for its hollow, humble heart. Scholars planted it beside their studios and listened to the wind in its leaves. The name invites that same unhurried enjoyment of nature into each brewing session.

Design & Craftsmanship

The tall, egg-shaped body narrows slightly toward the base, topped with a flat lid and a small loop knob. The spout is shaped with a subtle bamboo joint, and a rounded loop handle offers a comfortable grip. One side is incised with a cricket among blades of grass beside the characters "Ming Qiu" (Song of Autumn), a charming scene finished with the maker's inscription and seal.

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.