Handcrafted Yixing Purple Clay Sancai Gaiwan 120ml

Product Specifications

Capacity: 120ml

Diameter: gaiwan 9.4cm, saucer 10.9cm

Height: gaiwan 8.0cm, saucer 1.9cm

Material: Yixing Purple Clay （Zini Clay）

Food Safe: Yes

Packaging: Premium gift box

This lidded bowl is crafted from original Yixing purple clay （Zini clay), the most representative material in the Zisha tradition. Sourced from the Huanglong Mountain mining region in Dingshu, Yixing, Zini is prized for its balanced composition of quartz, mica, and iron oxides . The clay body exhibits a refined, uniform texture when properly processed, with natural granularity visible under close inspection. Its moderate iron content gives the fired ware a warm, earthy purple-red tone that deepens with use.

The clay is prepared through traditional methods—weathered, milled, screened, and aged—to achieve the fine, workable consistency required for thin-walled construction.

This piece follows the classic San Cai ("Three Talents") lidded bowl format, representing the harmony of Heaven (lid), Earth (bowl), and Humanity (saucer) . 

The lid features a hand-pinched cabbage-shaped knob—a distinctive decorative element that adds both visual interest and practical function.This level of detail demonstrates the maker's skill, as forming a three-dimensional sculptural element on a thin-walled lid requires precise control of clay moisture and drying time.

The thin-wall construction is a technical achievement in Yixing pottery. While Zisha clay is typically worked to substantial thickness for durability, thin-walled pieces require greater skill to maintain structural integrity during forming, drying, and firing. The result is a lightweight lidded bowl that retains heat efficiently without excessive weight.

Zini clay's dual-porosity structure—microscopic open and closed pores—creates a breathable yet watertight body, suitable for a wide range of tea types:

Oolong teas – wide mouth allows leaf expansion

Pu-erh tea – breathable clay supports aging characteristics

Black and white teas – neutral clay does not alter delicate flavors

Like all Yixing Zisha, this lidded bowl is best dedicated to one type of tea to allow the clay to develop harmonious seasoning. Clean by rinsing with warm water after each session. The thin walls require careful handling during cleaning to prevent impact damage.