Sun Hat Yixing Teapot

The jolly appearance of this teapot lies in the sturdy dome of its lid, the brick-red material studded with yellow grains, and the expressive jut of the spout, which like the handle extends just above the rim. The very low profile, and particularly its top side, lends the form its name, referring to the rustic, conic hats of bamboo or straw protecting traveller and farmer from sun and rain alike. It is further unusual in the inclusion of a metal filter with small holes, though its wide body recommends it for larger tea leaves anyway, maximizing the space for them to unfold without inflating the slender volume. Have a sip and be reminded of the farmer weathering the elements to grow those very leaves.

The clay

Made of a bright red zhuni (朱泥), one of the rarer Yixing ores. Shrinking during firing, its resultant density and superior heat retention recommends it for use with aromatic teas or those brewed with the hottest water, such as rolled oolongs, Pu'er, or black teas.

Why do I need a Yixing teapot?

The material and the shape of Yixing teapots are ideal for brewing tea. They bring out the tea flavor like no other tea vessel. Hand-made Yixing teapots are also valuable handicrafts sought after by collectors. Their value raises with time, usage and artist popularity.

Yixing teapots are made of a rare and depleting clay mined in the mountains near Yixing, a city in the Jiangsu province. The high density yet porous nature of the clay absorbs the smell of the tea brewed in it. For this reason, it is advised to use the pot with only one kind of tea (for instance with black teas or green teas). Bring your tea to the next level; allow yourself an authentic Yixing teapot.