Plum Stump Teapot Fully Handcrafted With Red Clay

Vermilion Clay (Zhu Ni): An Introduction​

​Appearance & Characteristics​

The clay exhibits a subtly vibrant red hue with a fine, smooth, and dense sandy texture. Its water retention and warmth are moderate. When rinsed with hot water, the teapot instantly reveals a tender, bright red tone with subtle shifting purple highlights, creating a mysteriously captivating charm adored by collectors. Teas brewed in Zhu Ni teapots yield a lively, clear liquor with a bright and decisive character, effectively highlighting aromatic notes and delivering a sweet, soft finish.

​Raw Material​

Zhu Ni raw ore is hard and dense, presenting a red color with slight orange undertones. Its warm, translucent quality rivals that of top-grade Zhu Ni from the mid-Qing Dynasty. While large teapots are challenging to fire successfully, smaller pieces develop subtle grain patterns after firing, echoing the elegance of ancient Zhu Ni ware. The raw ore from Zhuangzhao Mine appears grayish, white, and yellowish-brown with a layered structure. Due to its high clay content, the ore is less sandy and must be extracted from the harder sections of younger clay deposits (older materials, referred to historically as "stone bone," yield a brighter red after firing). It undergoes complex traditional hand-processing to become workable clay.

​Firing Temperature​

Approximately 1065–1700°C.

​Shrinkage Rate​

Over 25%.

​Mining Source​

Zhuangzhao Mountain and Huanglong Mountain in Yixing, Jiangsu.

​Clay Properties​

Requires high firing temperatures and exhibits extremely high shrinkage.

​Challenges in Production​

Prone to sand jumping, deformation, and kiln cracking. The loose texture of the raw clay makes it susceptible to cracking during shaping, and joining parts requires advanced skill. Detailed processing demands both technique and patience. High shrinkage results in low success rates, and large pieces are exceptionally difficult to fire.

​Unique Features​

The surface is densely covered with bold grain, forming a distinctive style. The red, sandy body displays a clear double-pore structure, allowing excellent air circulation—a unique trait among ceramics. Its rustic elegance and unparalleled beauty have made it a beloved choice for centuries.

​Tea Brewing Properties​

High color transformation when heated; becomes increasingly red with use, developing a beautiful patina. Excellent tea affinity produces a mellow, sweet liquor with easy control over brewing time. Resistant to stale odors even overnight, combining the strengths of both Zhu Ni and Zisha clays. Always pre-warm the teapot before use.

The tea brewed with Zhu Ni offers an unforgettable experience: the first sip unfolds like “a hundred flowers blooming,” bursting with vibrant, layered flavors and aromas. Its bright, luminous liquor and enchanting fragrance carry a youthful vitality. This clay is celebrated as nature’s marvel, praised for highlighting the dazzling spectrum of tastes in tea, reviving even aged teas with renewed vitality and depth. With use, the teapot develops a rich, lustrous patina, enhancing both appearance and tea quality, making it a treasured choice among collectors.

​Recommended Teas​

Tieguanyin, Taiwanese high-mountain tea, raw Pu’er, lightly roasted oolong, Longjing, and similar styles.