Chinese Clay Teapot: 2025’s Regional Clay Comparison Chart

Have you ever brewed a cup of tea and felt it was missing something? Maybe the aroma wasn’t as vibrant, or the flavor fell flat. For tea enthusiasts, the choice of teapot can make or break the experience. With Chinese clay teapots, particularly those from Yixing, the clay itself is the secret ingredient. But with so many clay types, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. A poor choice might mute your tea’s character or fail to enhance its depth. This guide dives into the world of Yixing clays, offering a clear comparison to help you find the perfect teapot for your favorite teas.

The Magic of Yixing Clay in Teapots

Yixing teapots, crafted in Jiangsu, China, are renowned for their porous clay, known as Zisha, which absorbs tea oils over time, enriching each brew. According to research, Yixing clay’s high mineral content, including kaolin and iron oxide, gives it unique breathability (Teasenz). This makes the clay type critical, as each interacts differently with tea, affecting flavor and aroma. Let’s explore the four main clay categories and their sub-types to guide your choice.

Zi Ni: The Versatile Purple Clay for Yixing Teapots

Zi Ni, or purple clay, is the most common Yixing clay, making up about 80% of production. Sourced from Huanglongshan, it’s rich in hematite, giving it a dense, blocky texture with visible mica specks. Its versatility makes it a favorite for many teas.

Color: Purple-brown, varying from reddish to dark purple after firing.
Texture: Sandy, with a natural luster after use.
Firing Temperature: Around 1180°C.
Shrinkage Rate: Approximately 11-12%.
Suitable Teas: Pu’er, oolong, black tea, green tea.
Sub-types:
- Tian Qing Ni: Rare, with a dark liver color and jade-like sheen, historically prized in the Ming Dynasty (Wikipedia). Ideal for teas needing flavor enhancement.
- Di Cao Qing: Known for “cat’s eye” spots, this clay enhances tea flavor, favored by master potter Gu Jingzhou. Best for oolong and black tea.
- Qing Shui Ni: Pure, with no additives, showing purple-brown with light green spots. Suits a wide range of teas, including Pu’er and flower teas.

Zi Ni’s breathability makes it ideal for purple clay teapots, offering a balanced brewing experience for beginners and experts alike.

Hong Ni: The Vibrant Red Clay of Yixing Teapots

Hong Ni, or red clay, is known for its striking red hues after firing, often used for smaller teapots due to its high shrinkage. Its high iron oxide content (14-18%) creates a fine, dense texture (Teasenz).

Color: Yellow or greenish-yellow raw; dark or light red after firing.
Texture: Smooth, with fine grains, sometimes metallic sheen.
Firing Temperature: 1065-1700°C.
Shrinkage Rate: 20-30%, leading to fine wrinkles.
Suitable Teas: Raw Pu’er, lightly roasted oolong, Tieguanyin, Longjing.
Sub-types:
- Zhu Ni: Delicate, with golden or rose-red raw colors, firing to vibrant red. Perfect for zisha teapots used with high-aroma teas.
- Da Hong Pao: Rare, vivid red, jade-like, with high shrinkage, historically used for color. Suits oolong and raw Pu’er.
- Hong Pi Long: From beneath Huanglongshan’s yellow stone, breathable like Zi Ni, ideal for yixing clay teapot sets.
- Xiao Hong Ni: Tender, vermilion after firing, high density, great for delicate teas.

Hong Ni’s vibrant color and tea-enhancing properties make it a collector’s favorite for yixing pottery teapots.

Lu Ni: The Delicate Green Clay for Subtle Teas

Lu Ni, or green clay, is less common, with a low iron content and quartz-based composition. It’s ideal for delicate teas, preserving their fresh aromas.

Color: Green raw; yellow, beige, or bronze after firing.
Texture: Uniform, with white mica fragments.
Firing Temperature: Around 1230°C.
Shrinkage Rate: Lower, but prone to deformation.
Suitable Teas: Green tea, white tea, lightly roasted oolong.
Sub-types:
- Ben Shan Lu Ni: From Huanglongshan, soft and malleable, firing to pear skin-like beige. Great for yixing ware teapots.
- Mo Lu Ni: Darker, rare, with light yellow or bluish-green hues post-firing.
- Dou Qing Ni: Fine, smooth, excellent heat retention, ideal for green and oolong teas.

Lu Ni’s gentle nature suits chinese yixing teapots for teas needing clarity and freshness.

Duan Ni: The Mixed Clay for Versatile Brewing

Duan Ni, a blend of Zi Ni, Lu Ni, or Hong Ni, offers a wide range of colors and textures, making it versatile for various teas.

Color: Bronze, brownish-yellow, grey, or golden after firing.
Texture: Granular, rich in natural grains.
Firing Temperature: 1150-1180°C.
Shrinkage Rate: Around 12-13%.
Suitable Teas: Most teas, except black tea for some sub-types.
Sub-types:
- Golden Duan Ni: From weathered layers, golden with black hematite dots, valuable for yixing zisha clay teapots.
- White Jade Duan Ni: Whitish, resembling jade, highly breathable, best for fresh aroma teas.

Duan Ni’s adaptability makes it a great choice for yixing clay teapot enthusiasts experimenting with different teas.

Matching Clay to Your Tea

Choosing the right clay depends on your tea preferences:

Pu’er and Black Tea: Zi Ni or Hong Ni clays mellow robust flavors.
Oolong: Di Cao Qing or Duan Ni enhance complex notes.
Green and White Tea: Lu Ni or White Jade Duan Ni preserve delicate aromas.

Experimenting with different clays can reveal new dimensions in your tea. Curious about maintaining your teapot? Learn how to season a Yixing teapot to maximize its potential.

Elevate Your Tea Experience

Each Yixing clay offers a unique way to enhance your tea, from the robust Zi Ni to the delicate Lu Ni. By understanding their properties, you can choose a teapot that transforms every sip into a moment of joy. Explore our collection at visit our products to find your perfect Chinese clay teapot. Need help deciding? Contact us for personalized advice.