Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot "Ling Zhu" (Spirit Pearl) Zi Yu Jin Sha | 灵珠 - 160ml

• Teapot Style: "Ling Zhu" (Spirit Pearl) | 灵珠
• Material: Zi Yu Jin Sha (Purple Jade & Golden Sand) | 紫玉金砂
• Craftsmanship: Handmade | 手工
• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China | 中国江苏宜兴
• Capacity: 160 ml

Product Story & Description

The Name: "Ling Zhu"

"Ling Zhu" means "spirit pearl," a luminous, magical pearl that appears in Chinese myth and Buddhist lore, often held by dragons or granting wishes to the pure of heart. It stands for wisdom, brilliance and treasure. The name suits the pot's full, softly rounded body, gathered and complete like a pearl, and it carries a quiet wish for clarity and good fortune.

Design & Craftsmanship

The pear-shaped body is full and low, rising to a stepped, domed lid with a small loop knob. The handle is textured like a natural branch, and a short spout gives a smooth, controlled pour. The surface is left plain so the clay itself can shine: warm purple-red flecked all over with fine golden sand.

The Clay: Zi Yu Jin Sha

Zi Yu Jin Sha (Purple Jade & Golden Sand) is a poetic name of praise in the Zisha world. It describes teapots made from fine Zini (purple clay) that, after firing and patient seasoning, take on a warm, smooth luster like purple jade, while golden grains of Duanni sand glimmer across the surface, scattered like stars in the night sky or drifting like falling snow. The clay itself is a co-occurring purple ore naturally rich in Duanni, which is what gives the fired sand its golden tone.

The effect is created in one of two ways, and both test the potter's skill. In the Pu Sha (sand-inlay) technique, fired sand grains are pressed into the surface by hand after the pot is formed, painstaking work in which every grain must be laid evenly. In the Tiao Sha (sand-blending) technique, sand grains of even size are kneaded into the clay in precise proportions before the pot is shaped. If the choice of sand or the ratio is off, the clay's slip can bury the grains or leave them patchy, so evenly scattered golden flecks are a mark of true mastery.

Like other Zini clays, Zi Yu Jin Sha breathes well and gently rounds out astringency, making it a lovely match for roasted oolongs, Pu'er and black teas. With regular use, the purple body deepens into a mellow patina while the golden sand stays bright, so the pot grows more beautiful with every brew.

Learn more about Zi Yu Jin Sha and other Yixing clays in our guide to Zisha clay types.