Heini Dezhong Yixing Teapot - 230ml | Raw Black Clay

A 230ml Dezhong in raw black Yixing clay (黑泥), made using mold-assisted shaping with hand-finishing. The Dezhong is one of the most recognized forms in Yixing pottery — cylindrical, upright, without ornament. This version follows the traditional proportions: a tall firm lid, a straight confident spout, a solid ear-shaped handle.

The Shape

Dezhong translates loosely as "virtue bell." The body is cylindrical with clean vertical walls. The lid sits high and slightly domed, adding a sense of composed height. The spout exits horizontally and straight — strong flow, no drip. The handle is a thick rounded ear, comfortable to hold with the pot full.

The lid uses a traditional pressure seal (压盖), sitting on top of the rim rather than inside it. It fits flush with minimal gap and holds well during a tipped pour. The flat stud knob on the lid is proportioned to the body and practical to lift.

No decoration. The form makes its case through proportion and fit.

The Clay

Raw black clay (原矿黑泥): Black clay is one of the foundational Yixing clay types. It fires to a deep, even grey-black with a smooth, dense surface. The color is stable and consistent across firing temperatures. Like all raw ore Yixing clays, the surface is porous and develops a subtle sheen with regular use. It is a forgiving clay to season and a reliable everyday material.

Specifications

What to Brew

At 230ml, the Dezhong suits a two-to-three person gongfu session or a generous single-person brew. The upright cylindrical body retains heat well across multiple steepings. The form and black clay are a natural match for aged pu-erh, ripe pu-erh (shou), and aged oolong — teas that benefit from sustained temperature and a clean, unfussy vessel.

Seasoning Your New Pot

Rinse inside and out with boiling water two or three times before first use. Brew a session with your intended tea, discarding the first steeping. After each use, empty, remove the lid, and allow to dry naturally in open air. Use consistently with one category of tea to build a clean seasoning over time.

A Note on Color

All product photos are taken of the actual item. Colors may appear slightly different on your screen due to lighting conditions and monitor calibration. The clay color and surface texture you receive will be consistent with what is shown — minor variation is normal and not a quality issue.

Explore the full range: Return to the Teapots collection to see all Yixing teapots currently available.