The treasure of purple clay lies in the purity of the clay, the classicism of the shape, and the craftsmanship of the artist. Tongxin She selects this fully handmade Dezhong Teapot by Zhou Yun, integrating the rarity of Zhaozhuang Raw Sand Zhu Ni, the charm of a classic shape, and the style of a renowned craftsman. It is not only an elegant teaware for tasting tea but also a valuable purple clay work worthy of collection.
The Dezhong teapot shape has been a model in purple clay plain ware since its birth, remaining unsurpassed to this day. The short cylindrical knob echoes the teapot body in temperament; the slightly bulging lid is not cumbersome, with smooth curves outlining an understated beauty. The tight fit of the lid and mouth prevents water from spilling when pouring, while the wide mouth design allows tea leaves to be added or removed effortlessly, balancing practicality and elegance. The slightly flat shoulder and slender neck eliminate the stockiness of the short body, perfectly combining stability and exquisiteness. The straight spout extends neatly, and the broad, slightly square loop handle offers a comfortable grip and smooth water flow—every detail reflects the sophistication of the classic shape. "Zhong" (bell) signifies concentration, and "De" (virtue) represents the gentleman's demeanor. The Dezhong teapot embodies virtue through form, just as Laozi said: "The highest virtue is not virtuous; thus, it possesses virtue." It symbolizes the inner virtue of a gentleman, known as the "Gentleman among Teapots," and has been cherished by tea lovers throughout generations for its metaphorical significance.
What makes this teapot even more extraordinary is the use of Zhaozhuang Raw Sand Zhu Ni, an extremely rare variety among Zhu Ni clays. Unlike ordinary Zhu Ni, which undergoes "processed sand refining," this clay is sourced from the hard "stone core" of the Zhu Ni mine. After sieving, it is directly used for teapot making in a "raw sand, raw powder" state without slurrying or bisque firing, preserving the original mineral structure of the clay. This special process results in a shrinkage rate of over 20%, making production extremely challenging with an extremely low yield. Historically, only famous Zhu Ni works from the Qing Dynasty dared to use this material, highlighting its rarity.
After firing, the teapot exhibits a warm reddish-orange hue with subtle quartz particles faintly visible in the body, offering a touch as smooth as a baby's skin. When rinsed with hot water, the teapot instantly glows with a "delicate bright red" purple luster, resembling a beauty's blushing cheeks, pleasing to the eye. During brewing, the unique double-pore structure of the clay allows heat to "radiate vividly," maximizing the aroma of the tea—fresh and concentrated without dissipating. It is particularly suitable for high-aroma teas such as Tieguanyin and Dancong. As the tea enters the throat, the sweet aftertaste carries the unique "mellow sweetness" of Zhu Ni, enhancing the tasting experience with rich layers. Furthermore, the "thin body and light texture" of Raw Sand Zhu Ni makes it easy to develop a patina. In just half a month, the teapot surface will glow with an amber-like luster, becoming more wenrun with each use, like a jade in the palm.
The creator of this Dezhong teapot, Zhou Yun, born in 1979, is a highly skilled purple clay artist. He studied under Master Wang Chunming, a disciple of the contemporary purple clay master Jiang Jianxiang. For years, he has adhered to his original aspiration, devoting himself to fully handmade plain purple clay ware with comprehensive skills and profound attainments. In 2017, he won the third prize in the "12th Yixing Handmade Pottery Competition" for his exquisite craftsmanship, and his works are widely praised by connoisseurs for their superb technique and perfect integration of form and spirit. Faced with the "intractable" nature of Raw Sand Zhu Ni, Zhou Yun meticulously crafts each teapot by hand: during the beating and shaping process, he accurately controls the thickness of the clay through years of experience, repeatedly refining every curve of the teapot body to achieve a texture "as thin as paper and as hard as jade"; in the joint processing, the connections between the spout, handle, and body are seamless, especially the "interlocking lid" technique between the lid and mouth, which fits so tightly that "lifting the lid produces a clear sound"; in the detail polishing, the roundness of the spherical knob, the water outlet angle of the spout, and the grip curve of the loop handle are adjusted dozens of times. Zhou Yun's handmade work transforms this Dezhong teapot from a practical tea utensil into a "drinkable work of art," carrying the inheritance of purple clay craftsmanship and the artist's pursuit of perfection.
With an exquisite size of approximately 116mm in length, 79mm in width, and 61mm in height, and a capacity of about 130cc, this teapot is perfectly sized for solo enjoyment or small gatherings with friends. Tongxin She presents this teapot to those who understand tea and appreciate teapots. May you, in each brew and sip, feel the warmth of Zhaozhuang Raw Sand Zhu Ni, appreciate the charm of the Dezhong shape, and experience the temperature of the artist's craftsmanship—allowing every tea tasting to become a profound dialogue with purple clay culture.