Honey Gourd Yixing Teapot | Authentic Ben Shan Lu Ni Clay (120cc)

More than just a practical teaware, the “Honey Gourd” is a piece of art embodying Eastern aesthetics and good fortune. It is fully handmade using precious Ben Shan Lu Ni clay from the original Huanglong Mountain mine in Yixing—a rare and exceptionally fine-textured clay. The refined 120cc capacity perfectly suits the modern tea enthusiast’s brewing style, ideal for quiet personal moments or sharing with close friends. The gourd shape is a traditional symbol of “Fu Lu” (fortune and prosperity), adding a layer of blessing to your tea practice.

Why It’s Special

• Rare Authentic Ben Shan Lu Ni Clay: Harvested from thin layers between purple clay seams at Huanglong Mountain, it is known as the “clay within the clay” due to its scarcity. When fired, it develops a unique beige-yellow hue, a jade-like texture, and fine granular details that become increasingly lustrous with use.

• Classic Gourd Shape: The gourd is one of the most ancient auspicious symbols in Chinese culture, representing “Fu Lu” and family prosperity. Its full, flowing curves provide a comfortable grip and a smooth pour, making it both beautiful and highly functional.

• Enhances Tea Aroma: The porous nature of Ben Shan Lu Ni clay offers excellent breathability and fast heat dissipation. It is especially suited for brewing fragrant teas, as it prevents the leaves from stewing and allows the complex aromatic layers of the tea to fully develop.

• Compact & Practical Capacity: At 120cc, this is a “golden capacity” for Gongfu brewing. It prevents wasting precious tea leaves while concentrating the aroma and flavor, making it an ideal choice for experiencing the essence of Gongfu Cha.

Design & Craftsmanship Details

• Body: Features a plump, rounded shape with soft, elegant lines. The surface has a fine, sandy texture that is warm to the touch.

• Spout: A short, straight spout ensures a fast, clean pour with a sharp water cutoff.

• Handle: The classic loop handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable and secure grip.

• Lid: Fits perfectly with the body of the pot, ensuring excellent air-tightness to lock in the tea’s fragrance.

Teapot Pairing & Usage Guide

Recommended Teas: This Ben Shan Lu Ni teapot is ideal for brewing lightly oxidized oolongs (such as Tie Guan Yin), raw Pu-erh (Sheng Cha), green teas, or white teas. Its excellent permeability beautifully expresses the fresh, vibrant character and high-toned aromas of these teas.

How to Season the Teapot (Kai Hu):

1. Clean: Gently rinse the teapot and lid inside and out with warm water and a soft cloth to remove any dust or clay particles.

2. Boil: Place the teapot and lid separately into a clean pot. Fill with purified water to completely submerge them. Slowly bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes to remove any earthy or kiln odors.

3. Steep: Allow the teapot to cool down naturally. Place a generous amount of the tea you intend to use with this pot inside, and fill it with boiling water. Let it steep for several hours to give the pot its “first taste” of tea.

4. Dry: Discard the tea leaves and liquor. Rinse the teapot with hot water and allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area before its first use.

Learn more: How to Season a New Yixing Zisha Teapot

Care & Maintenance

• One Pot, One Tea Type: To maintain the purity of the tea’s flavor, it is highly recommended to dedicate the teapot to one type of tea only.

• Clean Promptly: After each use, empty the leaves and rinse the pot thoroughly with hot water. Never use soap or chemical detergents.

• Air Dry Naturally: After cleaning, place the lid separately from the pot and let them air dry completely in a ventilated, odor-free space.

• Avoid Oils & Grease: Zisha clay is porous and will absorb oils. Keep the teapot away from greasy substances to prevent clogged pores and stains.

Origin & Clay

• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China

• Mine Source: Huanglong Mountain (Yellow Dragon Mountain). As the core production area for Zisha clay, Huanglong Mountain is renowned for yielding materials of the highest quality.

• Clay: Authentic Ben Shan Lu Ni (本山绿泥). The raw ore is grayish-green and found in thin seams within the purple clay layers, making it extremely difficult to mine in large quantities. Due to its high quartz content and low plasticity, it is challenging to work with and has a low success rate in firing, making a perfect Ben Shan Lu Ni teapot a rare treasure.

FAQ

• Q: Is this teapot suitable for a beginner?

  • A: Absolutely. The 120cc capacity is easy to handle, and the classic gourd shape is both beautiful and practical. While the clay is precious, following the simple care instructions will allow you to enjoy its unique character and the pleasure of nurturing it over time.

• Q: How can I tell if this is real Ben Shan Lu Ni clay?

  • A: Authentic Ben Shan Lu Ni clay, after firing, has a distinct beige-yellow color with a hint of green and a warm, fine-sandy texture. It should not be a vibrant, artificial green. With proper use and seasoning, a genuine Ben Shan Lu Ni pot will develop a beautiful, warm patina, and its color will become deeper and more lustrous.