Wolong (Crouching Dragon) Teapot
Handcrafted entirely by Master Wang Yifei
Clay: Vintage Purple Clay from Ming & Qing ancient ore deposits | Capacity: 120cc
Wolong, the Crouching Dragon. Its gently flattened silhouette rests calmly upon the tea tray, quiet yet holding latent power, just like a dragon in repose. This plain-form zisha teapot casts aside redundant ornamentation, its beauty revealed entirely through soft, flowing clay contours. The delicate pearl knob sits atop the lid, the slender spout delivers smooth, clean pouring, and the curved handle settles naturally within your palm. Every proportion is balanced and restrained, embodying the subtle oriental aesthetic of quiet minimalism.
Forged from rare ancient purple clay mined from Ming and Qing ore beds, the mineral has rested deep underground for centuries. Fine natural speckles scatter across the surface of the clay. After careful firing, the teapot body boasts exceptional breathability. With repeated brewing, it slowly develops a deep, warm and lustrous patina, evolving gently alongside every cup of tea you steep.
This teapot is shaped by the traditional hand-slapping slab method, the time-honoured craft of Yixing zisha. Master Wang Yifei beats each clay slab by hand, repeatedly shaping and calibrating the body to maintain uniform wall thickness. The lid, pearl knob, spout and handle are individually sculpted by hand, then meticulously trimmed and joined. The lid fits seamlessly and rotates smoothly without wobble. No two fully handcrafted teapots can ever be identical; every subtle texture on the clay carries the warmth of human hands, an irreplaceable charm that mass-produced moulded pots cannot replicate.
Wang Yifei is a distinguished contemporary Yixing craftsman, devoted to the study of classical antique teapot forms. He excels at understated plain wares, focusing on clay quality, structural harmony and quiet artistic conception. His finest handmade works have appeared in art auctions, with premium vintage-clay pieces commanding high regard among global collectors.
This 120cc compact pot is ideally suited for steeped Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, ripe pu’er and aged oolong teas. The broad, flattened chamber allows tea leaves to fully unfurl, capturing rich, layered aroma while maintaining steady, crisp pouring with every brew.
Wolong conceals quiet grandeur within its modest form, a treasured addition for discerning tea lovers and collectors, brought to you by Tongxin She Tea House.