Ping Gai Tao Ding Hu - 170ml

This very collectible teapot was crafted in the early 1980s by the Yixing Zisha Factory No. 1, using a blended Zisha clay. Upon close examination, one can see fine specks of yellow and black minerals scattered throughout the clay, with the black flecks particularly distinct—hence its name, Black Star Clay. During this period, the factory’s craftsmanship had improved significantly from the rougher works of the 1970s, with finer detailing and superior clay selection, making these teapots highly prized among Taiwanese collectors. I have long been drawn to such floral-inspired vessels and have collected many over the years. Each time I admire their form and spirit, I am reminded of the ethereal touch of the late Qing artist Bada Shanren, and the quiet elegance of master potters from the Republic era—where a few simple strokes evoke a world beyond the mundane.

With a capacity of approximately 170ml, this teapot pours swiftly, emptying in just nine breaths. It is well-suited for shared tea sessions among two to four people or for the solitary enjoyment of a large cup—either way, a satisfying experience. Over time, I have brewed countless rounds of Pu’er in this pot, both raw and ripe, with a particular fondness for vintages from 2002 to 2004. The clay’s warm, porous nature refines the tea, allowing the liquor to move with an effortless balance—its aged character emerging gently, while woody aromas linger in quiet undercurrents, revealing themselves sip by sip. The beauty of Black Star Clay lies not only in the vessel but also in the transformation of the tea itself. A fine pot does not simply hold tea—it elevates it, drawing forth its finest notes. And is this not the essence of tea mastery? The same leaves, yet made extraordinary by the right hands, the right clay.