"Dragon Egg" Handmade Chaozhou Teapot

Crafted from the Chaozhou clay, this handmade teapot is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Gong Fu Cha, a tea-brewing practice originating from Chaozhou itself.   This Chaozhou clay teapot is crafted in a classical Dragon Egg shape (龙蛋 – Long Dan). The smooth curves and distinctive outline of the Dragon Egg, caroled by Qing Dynasty poet Wu Dingmei, are aesthetically pleasing and functional. Such a shape is designed to accommodate longer tea leaves, such as twisted oolongs, giving them plenty of space to fit, unfurl, and release their flavors fully. The clay is sourced from the mountainous Feng Xi region near Chaozhou. Known as Chaozhou Hong Ni, Chaozhou Zhu Ni, or Chaozhou Da Hong Pao, the clay develops a rich red-orange hue with a natural shine after being fired, thanks to its high iron oxide content. Its pliable nature allows for crafting teapots on a wheel, resulting in thinner walls. The local kilns typically use firing temperatures nearing 1000ºC. Chaozhou clay is less porous