Among the numerous shapes of Yixing purple clay teapots, the "Hehuan" teapot has always stood out as a beloved choice for tea enthusiasts with its elegant and approachable charm. Recommended exclusively by Tongxinshe Teahouse, this Hehuan teapot not only inherits the grace of classic designs but also takes rare pear-skin green clay as its core and a 120cc small capacity as its essence. It perfectly embodies the compatibility between purple clay and tea, truly deserving the title of "a small teapot holding great flavor".
Inspired by the ancient pursuit of "harmony and joy", the "Hehuan" teapot centers on the "circular" form, yet it is far from a simple stack of roundness. The teapot body is a plump, flat circle, with lines gently tapering from the bottom to the shoulder, transitioning naturally without any rigid turns—just like the soft outline of a full moon rising. The lid fits the body seamlessly; its surface is slightly convex, and the small spherical knob on top is delicate and smooth to the touch, adding a sense of agility when rotated. The short, neat spout extends smoothly from one side of the body, pouring water briskly without dripping, and cutting off the flow cleanly without residue. The ear-shaped handle curves perfectly to fit the palm, offering a comfortable grip even when held for a long time.
This "flat-round" design holds thoughtful considerations for tea brewing: the flat body allows tea leaves to unfold evenly inside, making full contact with hot water to release their aroma. The small capacity prevents the tea from becoming bitter due to over-steeping, making it ideal for solo sipping or a casual tea session for two—ensuring every sip maintains the best taste. Just as its name "Hehuan" implies, it represents the harmony between the teapot and tea, as well as the joy between the tea lover and their brew.
If the shape is the "form" of the Hehuan teapot, then the rare pear-skin green clay is its "soul". Among Yixing purple clay materials, green clay is already a niche category, and "pear-skin green clay" is even a treasure within green clays. Mined from the shallow layers of Huanglong Mountain, this clay contains trace amounts of iron and magnesium. After firing, it does not take on a bright emerald green but a warm "pear-skin hue"—a light green tinted with soft beige, covered in fine "pear-skin texture" that resembles the surface of a ripe pear. It feels as smooth as grease to the touch, yet reveals a subtle sandy graininess upon close inspection, combining both "smoothness" and "texture".
The properties of pear-skin green clay complement tea perfectly. It boasts excellent breathability while remaining watertight, allowing the tea soup to "breathe" inside the teapot. This preserves the rich aroma of the tea without absorbing any off-flavors. What’s more, the clay undergoes fascinating changes as it is seasoned: when first used, the tea soup deepens the green hue of the clay, making the pear-skin texture more distinct. Over time, the teapot develops a warm "patina", shining like jade. Every line on its surface bears the traces of the tea lover’s use, turning it into a one-of-a-kind "personal teapot".
Though seemingly small, the 120cc capacity of this Hehuan teapot is a "golden size" refined through countless tea-brewing practices. It is particularly suitable for three types of tea:
First, high-aroma green teas such as Biluochun, Longjing, and Anji White Tea. These teas emphasize "freshness, crispness, and sweetness" and cannot withstand over-steeping. The 120cc capacity allows precise control of tea dosage, and the hot water can be poured out quickly after infusion—preventing the tea from becoming too strong or bitter. The breathability of pear-skin green clay preserves the "bean aroma" and "orchid aroma" of green tea, filling every sip with the freshness of spring tea gardens.
Second, lightly fermented oolong teas like Taiwan High Mountain Oolong and Anxi Tieguanyin。These teas have a rich aroma and sweet taste. The small teapot keeps the tea aroma concentrated, while the even heat conduction of the clay fully awakens the aroma without overcooking the tea leaves。 The fine texture of pear-skin green clay also balances out any slight astringency in the tea soup, creating a smoother taste.
Third, aged white teas. Aged white tea requires a short period of steeping to release its medicinal and jujube-like aromas. The 120cc capacity ensures the tea soup reaches the perfect concentration, and the breathability of pear-skin green clay enhances the layered complexity of the aged tea’s fragrance—without producing off-flavors from over-steeping. The resulting tea soup is mellow yet clear, with a long-lasting aftertaste.
From the elegance of its shape to the rarity of its clay, and the precise compatibility with different teas, this Yixing purple clay "Hehuan" teapot recommended by Tongxinshe Teahouse has transcended the definition of a mere "tea utensil". It has become a carrier for tea lovers to savor life and convey affection—whether for personal enjoyment or as a gift for a dear friend, it holds the warmth of purple clay and the tenderness of tea in every brew and sip.