If you usually enjoy aged Pu-erh tea and are drinking with 2–3 people, here are some recommendations for selecting Yixing clay, capacity, and teapot shapes when choosing a teapot:

✅ Recommendation Parameters:

• Capacity: The optimal range is 200ml to 300ml. This ensures sufficient tea output without waste
• Clay Recommendations:
  • Purple Clay (Zini): Classic and versatile, it enhances the color and flavor of aged Pu-erh, develops a patina quickly, and is highly durable。
  • Black Clay / Tianqingni: High iron content gives it a stable, sophisticated character that complements the rich, mellow taste of aged Pu-erh。
  • Duan Clay (Symbiotic Duanzi): With a noticeable sandy texture, it allows the tea’s aroma to shine through, making it perfect for those who prefer a smooth mouthfeel without overpowering the fragrance
• Teapot Shape Recommendations:
  • Duozhi Pot (掇只壶): With its plump belly, it retains heat well, producing a rich and thick infusion, making it ideal for aged ripe Pu-erh.
  • Shi Piao Pot (石瓢壶): Sturdy and stable with a three-point support, it pours smoothly and has an ancient, rustic charm.
  • Dezhong Pot / Fanggu Pot (德钟壶 / 仿鼓壶): Solid and dignified, these pots are excellent for heat retention and long-steeping.
• Kettle-Opening Suggestions: For a ripe Pu-erh teapot, it is recommended to wash the pot with boiling water and then steep ripe Pu-erh for 3–5 infusions to “nourish the tea liquid,” which will enhance the foundation for developing a patina.

🌟 Recommendation Samples：

🍵 Tips：

• Ripe Pu-erh is a fermented tea, suitable for “seasoning the pot” (养壶);
• Tea residue can easily accumulate in the pot, so it is recommended to use a dedicated pot for ripe Pu-erh;
• After each infusion, promptly empty any leftover water and let the pot dry to prevent mold.