Phoenix Egg – Artisan Duanni Clay for Phoenix Oolong Tea | Yserene

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Phoenix Egg Yixing teapot: A perfect fusion between time and nature giving the original stone clay a perfect look.

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Yixing Ware Teapots Phoenix Egg: Teapots Made by Artists and Mud we Love

Application Scenario Expansion

Tea Culture and Traditional Arts Industries

Type Phoenix Egg Yixing ware teapots are functional works of art that also symbolize cultural knowledge. Phoenix Egg Yixing ware teapots are staples of fine art and culture surrounding tea in China.

History and current practice

Yixing ware teapots such as the “Phoenix Egg” have been crafted since the Ming Dynasty in China, and they continue to be made today. Egg shaped yixing teapots are notable both for their unique shapes primary intended for the brewing of tea and the rebirth symbolism of eggs, which pheonix embody, present in formal tea culture servicing.
The Zisha (Purple Clay) materials of pot, due to their natural special of its Zisha Clay which formed from and with curiosity through history performance has micro-porous structures which can improve the tea brewing as they allow the Plum Purple(Zhuni), Stone Yellow(Duanni) and Red Muddi tea pot s to absorb the flavour and essence of the tea. At the same time, as the tea pot is seasoned by
Although not industrial in the traditional sense, Yixing teapots play a role in a number of industries where authenticity, quality, and tradition are valued:

  • Fine tea: Specialized tea shops, tea house, and the tea ceremony schools consider Yixing teapots the essential tool to best prepare tea.
  • Hospitality and Tourism: Luxury hotels and resorts that offers authentic cultural experiences use these teapots within high-end tea services.
  • Interior design and decoration: Collectors and designers now display these objects as statement art objects in homes and commercial spaces.
  • Gift and Luxury Retail: These are given as premium gifts in corporate gift programs and by luxury retailers to show appreciation of Chinese culture.
  • Cultural Education: Museums, cultural centers, and educational institutions use these teapots as teaching tools about Chinese craftsmanship.
Application scenarios of purple clay teapots

What Common Problems Can Be Solved?

  • Retaining Tea Flavor: It does not impart any of its own flavor to the tea and Yixing clay teapots can retain heat better than metal and ceramic teapots.

  • Building the flavor: The proportions of the Phoenix Egg design allow for the optimum ratio between expansion of the leaf and water volume which can be particularly effective with oolong and dark teas.
  • Authenticating Cultural Experiences: For businesses offering cultural tea experiences, authentic Yixing ware lends an air of legitimacy and profundity.
  • Fostering Connections that Matter: Within gifting occasions, these teapots transcend typical gifts by conveying thoughtfulness and cultural appreciation.
  • Eco-Friendly Option: Being a natural clay product that can last several generations, these teapots are a sustainable alternative to factory-made brewing vessels.
Case study of using Chinese Yixing teapot

Table of Contents

To perform well, teapots need to be seasonned. First, rinse teapot with warm water, then put them in a pot with enough water to completely immersed the teapot. Put in tea leaves (preferably the tea type that we will brew regularly in this pot) at around 3-4 times of the usual amount used in brewing. Gently boil, and simmer for 30 minutes. Let teapot cool naturally in the tea solution, then rinse with clean water and allowed to air dry fully. This process helps open up the pores of the clay, and ready them to receive tea oils and flavours in future brewing.
Yes, genuine Yixing Phoenix Egg teapots are handmade. Every piece is crafted via well over 100 individual steps, always entirely by hand, by master craftspeople who often spend decades honing their own suitcase of skills. From clay selection and processing to forming, carving, firing and finishing, no industrial processes are used, and items are totally handmade: this explains both their charm and their prices on the market. The fact that each piece is hand made means each piece bears the subtle marks of its creator, as well as signature stamps (often located on the bottom or inside of the lid) identifying which artisan or workshop produced it.
The Phoenix Egg design is especially well-suited to oolong teas, in particular Wuyi rock oolongs and Phoenix Dan Cong oolongs (a rather poetic pairing, given the design’s name.) The egg shape allows just the right amount of space for the leaves to expand, while the temperature stability of the clay helps to coax the intricate floral and mineral characters out of the leaves. Dark teas, like more aged pu-erh, will also perform well in here. While you can brew any tea your heart desires in your Yixing pot, tea experts recommend dedicating each pot you have to a single tea type or family. Over time, the clay will absorb traces of the teas brewed within, embedding a “memory” in the pot. Dedicated use will concentrate this memory, enriching future brews of that type or style of tea.
There are several tell-tale signs of an authentic Yixing teapot: Real Zisha clay will have a unique natural glow to it rather than a bright sheen The surface will seem to have a slightly porous, sandy texture when examined very closely It should produce a clear ringing sound when tapped gently, rather than a dull thunk The lid should fit so perfectly that there is a very small gap between the pot and lid, and it should often produce a clear, soft “whistle” when you remove it when steeping tea It should feel substantial in your hands but not unduly heavy for its size If you are buying a brand new pot through a credible seller, they should be able to provide you with certificates of authenticity with some credentials of the artisan. Pricing for the item can often reflect how much effort went into crafting it – note that authentic Yixing teaware is an investment, so don’t expect to find pieces from reputable sellers at discount prices or for “a steal”.
To maintain the longevity of your Phoenix Egg teapot some things you can do include:
1.Don’t use soap or detergents when cleaning, only clean water should be used.
2.Dry completely before storing, and if possible make sure to dry with the lid off.
3.Do not use abrasive cloths for cleaning or handling your pot.
4.Brew regularly to develop the patina and “memory” of the pot.
5.Avoid extreme changes in temperature, such as suddenly splashing boiling water in a cold pot.
6.Store the teapot in a well-ventilated space if possible, or on a wooden tray or piece of cloth.
7.Periodically polish a dry surface with soft cloth and small amount of tea oil if the pot appears dry.
8.When handling, support from the bottom and don’t lift by handle or spout alone.
The Phoenix Egg design is the ultimate combination of function and implication. The defining feature of the Phoenix Egg teapot is its ovoid shape, which recalls the egg of the mythological phoenix. In Chinese mythology, the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and nobility. And in practical terms, the Phoenix Egg’s shape helps to create the perfect internal fluid dynamics for brewing tea by encouraging a gentle circulation of water around the tea leaves. The rounded, slightly upward-tapered body focuses the aroma of the tea while avoiding excessive extraction. The shape of the teapot also enables smooth, dripless pouring if it is made well. And the even proportions of the Phoenix Egg distribute heat evenly throughout the vessel so that the brewing temperature is stable during the infusion process.
When properly cared for, these teapots are heirlooms that are passed down to the next generation. Yixing teapots of the Ming and Qing dynasties are still in service today, with some of them having been used for more than 400 years. The clay actually becomes stronger with use due to the adsorption of tea oils into the pot. Passing them down over multiple generations is common; each piece acquiring a characteristic reflection of the tea that has been drunk from it. The lifetime of an artisan Yixing teapot is likely measured in the hundreds of years with dynamically appreciating value in both function and in market pricing; mass-produced Yixing teapots, on the other hand, disintegrate within 5–10 years of heavy use.
While it is technically possible, dedicated tea aficionados advise against using a Yixing teapot for more than 1 type of tea, or 1 family of similar teas. This is because the primary feature of the unglazed Zisha clay is its ability to absorb the essence and oils of the tea. As the clay becomes more “seasoned” with each use, it is thought to enhance the flavour of the tea brewed in it. Using the same pot for different varieties of tea, particularly the different classes of tea (e.g., using the same teapot for making both jasmine-scented green tea and a strong Taiwanese oolong), is considered suboptimal, as the enhanced seasoning imparted to the pot from previous brews of tea may result in undesirable flavours. Indeed, many collectors go so far as to obtain multiple teapots for their various teas, as one for oolong, and another one for pu’er, etc. Each pot then acquires a coating and buildup exclusive to the type or variety of tea used and the resulting seasoning both out of the pot and in the flavour of tea brewed subsequently ideally optimizes the brewing of that type or variety.
Advantages of purple clay teapots over other teapots

Selection / Comparison Guide

Feature Traditional Phoenix Egg Modern Interpretation Phoenix Egg Factory-Produced Phoenix Egg Artisan Signature Phoenix Egg
Clay Type Authentic Zisha (purple clay) Blend of Zisha with other clays Clay from non-Yixing regions Pure Zhuni (red clay) or Duanni (yellow clay)
Clay Origin Yixing region, Jiangsu Province Yixing region, verified source Often unspecified Specific named mines in Yixing region
Craftsmanship Hand-built using traditional techniques Handcrafted with modern tools Semi-mechanized production Entirely hand-built by named master
Porosity Level Medium (6-8% porosity) Medium-high (8-10% porosity) Low (3-5% porosity) High (9-12% porosity)
Wall Thickness 3-4mm, evenly distributed 2-3mm, modern thin-wall style Often inconsistent (2-5mm) Precise 3.5mm throughout
Heat Retention Excellent (maintains temperature 15-20 min) Very good (10-15 min) Moderate (5-10 min) Superior (20-25 min)
Pour Speed Moderate (8-10 seconds) Quick (5-7 seconds) Variable (5-15 seconds) Controlled (precisely 8 seconds)
Capacity Traditional (150-180ml) Contemporary (100-130ml) Larger (200-250ml) Classical (exactly 150ml)
Price Range $200-400 USD $150-250 USD $50-120 USD $500-1,500+ USD
Aging Potential Excellent Very Good Limited Exceptional
Certification Regional authenticity certificate Basic certification Often uncertified Master artisan certificate with chop

Data source: Based on Yixing Ceramic Industrial Arts PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) standards and The Chinese National Standards for Yixing Pottery (GB/T 35010-2018). For detailed standards information, visit: China National Standards Database and Jiangsu Province Geographical Indication Products Protection Regulations

Comparing Yixing Ware Teapots : How to Choose Your Perfect Phoenix Egg

Understanding the underlying differences in clay types, level of craftsmanships, and functional design aspects is the key to making an informed investment when choosing a Yixing Phoenix Egg teapot. Below you will find a comparison of different options from the Phoenix Egg family to be considered:

Key Points to Consider When Selecting:

Type of Clay
As the clay you choose will greatly affect the final taste of your tea, this should be a key consideration. Traditional purple clay (Zisha) will bring out a more neutral taste, and work well for most teas. Red clay (Zhuni) will accentuate the brightness and fruity aspects of the tea. This makes it a popular choice for lighter Oolongs. A yellow clay

Size Considerations:
Smaller Phoenix Egg teapots (100-150ml) are better suited for brewing high quality teas, where multiple, short infusions will be preformed. In contrast, larger Phoenix Egg (180-250ml) are more appropriate for casual everyday brewing, or brewing sessions with multiple guests. Consider your typical brewing method, and the typical size of your guestlist when selecting your capacity.

Artisan reputation
The teapots from well-known masters tend to sell at premium prices, however the materials used, the craftsmanship and the artistic value are far superior to common ones. Common ones of lower prices are mostly made by factory, but lack the more refined details in proportions and the aging capability that the ones made by artisans would offer. To avoid excessive investment, mid-range pieces are recommended for beginning collectors before purchasing pieces from the masters.

Functional Design Elements
How well does it pour? How exactly does the lid fit? How well-balanced does it feel in your hand? Superior craftsmanship reveals itself by such practical qualities: a lid snug enough to create a slight suction when you hold the teapot by its handle, a spout that delivers a smooth, drip-free pour, a handle that feels safe and comfortable while you use it. You spend more time using your teapot than looking at it, and how well it functions affects your experience of brewing tea far more than how it looks.

Zisha teapots are widely used

Actual Cases/Customer Stories

The Museum Curator’s Discovery

Dr. Mei Zhang, curator at the East Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, had studied traditional teaware for years, but she had never seen a Phoenix Egg before her visit to select items for an upcoming exhibition. And she had never seen a piece with such flawless proportion and balance, “something aonly possible from an experienced, conscientious craftsperson working within a centuries old tradition Where so many modern yixing pieces are effectively decorative sculptural works at the cost of function, this Phoenix Egg shows that perfect harmony that marks classical works.

Shortly thereafter, the museum purchased an extra Phoenix Egg teapot for their permanent coolection, which has pride of place in their current exhibition “Living Traditions”. Dr Zhang draws great satisfaction in using an identical piece when conducting monthly demonstrations of tea culture at the museum: “Visitors always remark how the pouring action and overall presentation elevates their understanding of the Chinese tea ritual beyond what we can deliver using more mundane teaware.”

The Tea Master’s Test

When teaware has been crafted to the highest standards, it speaks for itself. Wang Lian has operated a chain of three premium tea-houses in Taiwan since 2016, and ranks third generation tea master in his family. The final test has become a tradition in Wei Ye Da’s production of Phoenix Egg teapots. “For each Phoenix Egg teapot, we strictly conducted a comparative tasting, using the same tea (in the same amounts), the same water (at the same temperatures) and the same steeping durations, in a variety of different vessels. Only those that brought the tea to its greatest perfection were deemed satisfactory for premium tea house service.”

After purchasing six of the most impeccable Phoenix Egg teapots for the premium service at his flagship location, within a single month Wang Lian saw a 30% rise in customers choosing to enjoy a higher grade oolong in the shop. “The teapot becomes part of the story we’re telling about the origin and character of the tea. When our customers see and taste a tea preparted in proper Yixing ware, especially the distinctive, beautiful Phoenix Egg design, it deepens their appreciation of the rare and subtle qualities we’re sharing with them.”

Yserene's craftsmen are making Chinese Yixing teapots

The gift from a company that built a relationship

Michael Chen, international procurement director for a technology company with extensive Chinese manufacturing partnerships, wanted meaningful gifts that would convey cross-cultural respect without being cliched. “When we gave each of our three most important manufacturing partners a Phoenix Egg, I never expected it would have such an emotional impact,” says Chen. “One operations director shed a tear as he explained that his grandfather had been an apprentice in a Yixing workshop before the Cultural Revolution.”

The teapots sparked many relationship-building conversations that helped put the business deals in perspective. “The next time we went to the table for a contract negotiation, the mood was more cooperative, and each meeting would start with tea made in the teapots we had given them.” Before long, each meeting began with the partners taking turns serving tea brewed in the gift teapots. “It was a thoughtful gift, but we all made it a gift to ourselves by following it through into a shared ritual that remade our business relationship.”

The Collector’s Story

Elizabeth Harrington began her teaware collecting as a casual pursuit while on business trips to Asia, but has developed a more serious appreciation over time. “I bought my first Phoenix Egg teapot on impulse while I was on a conference in Shanghai. As I taught myself how to brew properly, I was surprised by how much better it made even modest teas taste than the way I was brewing it at home. What started as an whim became a real passion for learning.”

Her collection now includes eleven Yixing teapots that she’s collected over the years, each one dedicated to a particular class of tea, but the first Phoenix Egg is still her daily go-to pot for Taiwan oolongs. “I’ve found more valuable pieces since then, but that first Phoenix Egg opened the door to my understanding of the way that the vessel changes the tea,” she explains. “Six years later, it’s a better brewer than it was when it was new. The patina is beautiful, and it’s still the first pot I reach for.

The Tea Room Transformation

When David and Mei Li decided to turn a failing cafe into a niche Chinese tea room in Portland, they prioritized the acquisition of authentic teaware, even when working on a budget. “We decided early on that we’d rather serve each tea in appropriate vessels than standardize our equipment for convenience,” recounts David. “The Phoenix Egg teapots we picked for our oolong service immediately served as a conversation starter at each table.”

According to the pair, customers would often take photos of the teaware alongside their pot of tea, posting them on social media and allowing for organic word-of-mouth advertising. “We’ve had people coming in who specifically request this ‘egg-shaped teapot’ they saw online,” remarks Mei. “What was initially a choice centered upon authenticity became a flagship part of our unique brand identity.” Now, three years after opening, the pair have gone on to host weekly lessons on Chinese tea culture, where their Phoenix Egg teapots are often used as both practical tools as well as educational props.

In each case, from museum to business to specialty tea service to a private collector’s journey: the Phoenix Egg teapot has served a different purpose to suit the moment and circumstance. In every story, the perfect form and function of this teapot has provided use and beauty that has transcended its meaning from pure object to human, to cultural, experience and connection.

The production of purple clay teapot

Additional Information

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Quality Certification of  Yserene Teapot

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Yserene Teapot Model Parameter Comparison Table

Production Standards

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Asian teapots produced by yserene meet the certification of Japan
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Yixing clay teapot production standards

Product Review

20 reviews for Phoenix Egg – Artisan Duanni Clay for Phoenix Oolong Tea | Yserene

  1. Ahmed Farouk

    wow! The Yixing ware has a beautiful, yet tactile design that seems to tell a story and in my hands a large Yixing teapot has some heft. It brews tea evenly and I am so happy

  2. Lily Anderson

    Love the Phoenix Egg motif! It holds the right capacity and it also pours quite well without spilling over. The clay adds a subtle yet richer flavor to the tea, perfect to enjoy during the afternoon.

  3. Chloe Smith

    My first Yixing and I love it! The Phoenix Egg design is stunning, the heat retention is phenomenal, and it’s easy to clean. Wonderful!

  4. Samuel Park

    I gave this to a friend in the US who collects teapots and they lost their minds with joy! The quality is impeccable, it pours beautifully and the clay has a wonderful texture. Simply a must have!

  5. Jacob Carter

    Love the craftsmanship and unique design, The Phoenix Egg Teapot makes me like the aroma of tea even more.

  6. Fatima Ibrahim

    Simple yet elegant timeless Phoenix Egg shape and clay will heat evenly and has become the centrepiece of my tea setup. Highly recommend.

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