矮瓢壶 全手工 原矿2号井老紫泥 200ml

Ai Piao Teapot · Original Ore No.2 Well Aged Zini Clay · Fully Handmade Yixing Zisha | 200ml

The Ai Piao (矮瓢) — Low Ladle — is a compact, grounded interpretation of the classic Shi Piao (Stone Ladle) form, beloved for its low, wide silhouette that sits close to the earth like a stone worn smooth by a mountain stream. Where the classic Shi Piao reaches upward, the Ai Piao settles inward — a form of quiet confidence and meditative stillness.

This piece is crafted from original ore No. 2 Well Aged Zini (二号井老紫泥) clay — a rare and highly prized variant of the legendary Zini clay, sourced from the No. 2 well of the Yixing mines — and shaped entirely by hand, embodying a tradition recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

Clay & Craftsmanship

• Clay: Original ore No. 2 Well Aged Zini (二号井老紫泥) — rare well-sourced Zini with a deep reddish-purple tone, exceptional density, and superior tea-enhancing properties
• Technique: Fully handmade (全手工) using traditional Yixing slab-building methods
• Capacity: 200ml — intimate and precise, ideal for solo gongfu tea sessions and single-serving brewing

The Ai Piao Form — Grounded Elegance

The Ai Piao’s low, wide body creates a sense of stability and calm — a teapot that feels rooted, unhurried, and deeply present. Its flat trapezoidal lid, straight angled spout, and loop handle maintain the architectural clarity of the Shi Piao family while expressing a more intimate, contemplative character. At 200ml, it is the perfect companion for a solitary tea session — a vessel that encourages you to slow down and truly taste.

No. 2 Well Aged Zini — Depth from the Source

No. 2 Well Aged Zini is among the most prized of all Zini clays, sourced from a specific well within the Yixing mines known for producing clay of exceptional purity and mineral richness. Its double-porous structure breathes with your tea, softening tannins, amplifying fragrance, and developing a profound, dark luster that deepens with every brew. It is the ideal companion for aged pu-erh, high-mountain oolongs, and any tea that rewards patient, attentive brewing.

Small in Size, Deep in Character

The Ai Piao in No. 2 Well Aged Zini is a teapot for those who understand that the greatest pleasures in life are often the smallest — a single perfect cup, brewed with intention, in a vessel that has been shaped by centuries of accumulated wisdom.