How to use it
Preheat gently, use enough leaf for the pot size and decant fully. Unglazed clay can retain aroma, so many drinkers dedicate a pot to a broad tea family rather than to one exact tea.
How to choose one
Prioritize a clean clay smell, stable lid, comfortable handle, suitable volume and a pour that is fast enough for your tea. Artist signatures and elaborate certificates do not replace material and function checks.
Cleaning and care
Empty leaves promptly, rinse with hot water, clear the spout and dry open in a ventilated place. Avoid scented detergent unless contamination requires a full reset.
Practical guidance
Before buying an expensive pot, compare the same tea in a porcelain gaiwan and an affordable verified-clay pot. Decide whether heat retention and pour actually help.
Identification and caution
The Yixing market contains mislabeled clay, artificial aging and false authorship. Buy for transparent material and usability, not promised financial return.